Man intentionally shoots himself inside Atlanta airport, police say

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A man is injured after he shot himself inside Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Sunday, according to Atlanta Police.

“I’m still in shock right now. I can’t believe I just witnessed that,” said Joshua Turner, a traveler returning to Atlanta who heard the gun shot and saw the wounded man.

The man, identified as 59-year-old Douglas Smith, is alert, conscious, breathing and was transported to the hospital for treatment, according to police.

Police said that Smith entered the airport, went up the escalator and intentionally shot himself in his left arm.

Travelers at first did not know what to make of the loud noise.

“By the time I went down the elevator, I heard a pop go off. Everybody thought it was a suitcase, but no,” said one witness spoke anonymously.

“Nobody thought it was an actual gunshot because nobody was screaming, nobody was yelling,” Turner said. “It was all regular. People were acting regular.”

Police said after the shot was fired, a witness had kicked the gun away from Smith.

“Once I saw all the cops running up the escalator ... and a whole bunch of people from the medical team rushing up, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is serious,” Turner said. “I was frustrated because I’m trying to get to where I need to go. I’m trying to meet people.”

This situation comes two months after Cartersville man Billy Cagle arrived at the airport with a gun, allegedly threatening to shoot up the airport.

Police said their continuous training focuses on safety as the number one priority.

“We have sufficient resources to go ahead, and it’s just as we did today, to quickly react, make the scene safe and again, render first aid and make sure that normal operations for the traveling public, especially at this time of year, the holiday season, remain normal,” said Major David Wilson with Atlanta Police Department Airport Section.

According to police, Smith, a convicted felon, is being charged with reckless conduct, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. Police said Smith will be transported to the Clayton County Jail following his release from the hospital.

“His conduct was such of the reckless nature with a disregard for the traveling public, for those around him, they (charges) would rise to a level of reckless conduct,” Wilson said.

No other injuries were reported.

This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First for updates.