Public Safety News Bulletin

DeKalb County's Public Safety personnel responded to the shooting of a 12-year old child near Montclair Elementary School off Clairmont Way yesterday, May 17, 2012. Within a matter of minutes, emergency rescue personnel from DeKalb Fire Rescue swiftly located the victim, treated him on the scene and transported him to Scottish Rite Hospital.

Within moments, dozens of DeKalb County law enforcement personnel swarmed the scene in cars, motorcycles and the county's helicopter. K-9 Teams quickly located the weapon believed to be used in the crime even though the suspect(s) attempted to hide it in the wooded area behind the school near where the shooting was reported to occur. Two separate incident command posts were established to adequately secure the scene and go about the task of identifying suspect(s), locating witnesses and apprehending anyone responsible or involved in the crime.

DeKalb County Public Safety Director William Z. Miller and Police Chief William O'Brien were on scene quickly and went about the task of ensuring that the children and staff of Montclair Elementary were safe and accounted for. Once they determined that the victim was not a student of Montclair Elementary, Director Miller and Chief O'Brien quickly assembled the media outlets that had arrived and gave a statement to reassure parents and concerned citizens that their families and loved ones were safe from harm and that all steps were being taken to ensure their safety until the area could be processed and suspect(s) arrested.

Due to the trained eyes and veteran experience of officers and investigators on scene, it was quickly determined that the reported witnesses were actually accomplices of the alleged victim, that their initial stories did not match the evidence and that their involvement was more than initially disclosed. Within an hour, the truth was uncovered that the group had planned on committing crimes in the neighboring community and the young victim had shot himself accidentally.

Director Miller and Chief O'Brien quickly updated media outlets so that the school, parents and the community could gain a sense of calm and relief.

It was due to the professionalism, efficiency and experience of so many well-trained and dedicated emergency personnel that this situation was controlled quickly, a gunshot victim was saved and a community protected from danger and criminalization.

Director Miller, Fire Chief Eddie O'Brien and Police Chief Bill O'Brien wish to say, "Thanks to the men and women who make our Public Safety Departments number one. Thanks DeKalb's Finest!"

See news footage and coverage of the incident from ajc.com and myfoxatlanta.com.