Conyers police increase reward after shooting

CONYERS, Georgia – Conyers police are taking to the streets, specifically combing neighborhoods where officers have seen an increase in 911 calls for gunshots.

According to police lieutenant Quantavis Garcia, the number of random shootings has increased by 20% this year compared to last year. In response, the police have now launched “Operation Ceasefire.”

“This is not something we want in our city,” Lt. Garcia said.

On June 27, officers converged on the Forest Villas Subdivision on Irwin Bridge Road, knocking on doors, meeting with residents and raising awareness about the increasing number of gunshots.

When residents were not home, officers left hangers on doorknobs informing them of a community alert.

“We thought that our visit to the Forest Villa Subdivision two weeks ago would put a stop to what happened this weekend, but unfortunately that was not the case,” said Lt. Garcia.

He said officers responded to Creek Forest Court in the Forest Villas Subdivision shortly after midnight on Sunday, July 7, for a shooting.

Lt. Garcia said several people were standing near the intersection of Creek Forest Court and Forest Villa Drive when two people opened fire. A 23-year-old man was shot.

Lt. Garcia said the victim required surgery but has since been released from the hospital.

As for the motive, Lt. Garcia said their investigation led them to believe it was a targeted shooting, but as of late Tuesday evening, the shooters had not been caught.

Conyers police are now offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those involved in Sunday’s shooting.

Lt. Garcia said they have also offered a reward for anyone who can help them find out who is firing indiscriminate shots in the city.

While Sunday’s shooting may have been targeted, the next victim could be an innocent.

“We know what goes up must come down,” Lt. Garcia said of firing shots. “Even if you don’t aim directly at someone, you can still hurt someone.”

Lt. Garcia said officers also combed the area of ​​Pinedale Circle, which borders the Forest Villas development.

Officers had planned to knock on doors in the Green Valley Drive and Lakeview Drive neighborhoods off Irwin Bridge Road on Tuesday night, but rain forced police to cancel the event. Lt. Garcia said they would return another night to meet with neighbors.

The final deployment of the district police as part of “Operation Ceasefire” is scheduled to take place in the southern part of the city in the Hunting Creek district.

Lt. Garcia said while they wish they could have police on every corner in the city, it’s just not possible. They’re asking the public to get involved and help them make their city’s streets safer.

If you have information about Sunday’s shooting at Forest Villas or details about the recent random shooting, you can remain anonymous. You can report tips by calling 770-483-8477, texting a tip to 678-654-8845 or emailing a tip to police at @conyersga.com.