A shocking incident in Georgia has left a community in grief after a food delivery driver was shot outside an elementary school. The situation quickly turned into a police chase across counties, with a young child later found inside the suspect’s car. Authorities are still investigating the full details of the case.
Here is what we know so far.
Shooting Outside Palmetto Elementary School
Police say 39-year-old Christopher Ates allegedly shot and killed 34-year-old Eboni Anderson around 11 a.m. on Tuesday.
The shooting happened outside Palmetto Elementary School near Atlanta. At the time, Anderson was reportedly working as a delivery driver for DoorDash.
Because the shooting happened close to school grounds, officials immediately placed the school under a “hard lockdown.” More than 500 students were later transported to another school so their parents could safely pick them up.
School officials confirmed that no students or staff inside the building were harmed.
Police Chase Across Counties
After the shooting, authorities tracked Ates’ vehicle using street cameras. Several hours later, his car was located more than 100 miles south in Warner Robins.
According to the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, officers attempted to pull him over. However, he allegedly refused to stop and sped away, leading police on a chase.
The pursuit ended when:
- Ates’ vehicle crashed into a semi-truck
- The car struck a guardrail
- It rolled down an embankment
Police then took him into custody at the scene.
Child Found in the Backseat
When officers searched the vehicle, they reportedly found a small child crying in the backseat.
Deputies quickly removed the child and called emergency medical services to evaluate them. After medical checks, the child was handed over to the Juvenile Division of the Houston County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the child was present during the shooting earlier that day.
Charges Filed So Far
At this time, Ates is facing several charges, including:
- Reckless driving
- Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer
- Child endangerment
He has not yet been formally charged in connection with Anderson’s death, but officials have said that additional charges are expected soon.
Police have also not confirmed what relationship, if any, existed between Ates and Anderson.
Community Response and School Statement
Reports suggest that the incident may have stemmed from a domestic dispute that spilled onto school property. However, investigators are still working to confirm all the facts.
In a letter to parents, Principal Jacqueline Bowens assured families that no one inside the school building was ever in danger. She stated that staff acted quickly and followed all safety protocols.
Meanwhile, DoorDash released a statement expressing sympathy for Anderson’s family. The company said it is cooperating fully with law enforcement during the investigation.
Remembering Eboni Anderson
Anderson’s death has deeply affected her loved ones and the wider community. A GoFundMe page describes her as a “beautiful, kind, and gentle soul.”
Her children attend Fulton County Schools, though they do not go to Palmetto Elementary.
Friends and family say they are struggling to process the sudden and heartbreaking loss.
This tragic case has shaken many people, especially because it happened near a school during the day. While students and staff remained safe, the emotional impact on families and the community is significant.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to release more details and file additional charges. For now, a family is mourning the loss of a mother, and a community is hoping for justice and answers in a case that has left many in shock.
