ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — A 19-year-old died following a shooting on Wednesday, March 25, near an Albany inn, according to the Albany Police Department (APD).

APD confirmed that the shooting was at about 8:12 p.m. in the parking lot of the Royal Inn, located at 821 West Highland Avenue.

According to police, Jontae Harris, 19, was inadvertently shot by his co-conspirator, Jerrod Igles.

Igles and Harris were reportedly trying to assault another man. In their altercation, APD said Igles discharged a firearm, striking Harris. Igles told police he did not intend to shoot Harris, according to a press release from APD.

Igles was then taken to the Dougherty County Jail on the following charges:

• Felony Murder
• Aggravated Assault - firearm (2 counts)

Police said Igles may face additional charges.

Earlier incident reported same night

An incident report from earlier that night at another location shows police say Igles assaulted another person. The report states the victim said Igles placed a gun to his head and began punching him in the head, face and body until he ran off on South Cleveland Street. The victim said Igles and another male began chasing him and stopped when they got close to a flower shop. The victim said that when he was near Apple Express and Krispy Kreme near Pine and Cleveland Street, he heard a loud pop.

Community member Chiquita Gulley said she is tired of the gun violence in the community.

“I’m tired of lives cut short. I’m tired of families grieving. This story doesn’t end with gun violence. This story continues with us. Put them down. Put them down. You’re hurting the community,” Gulley said.

Calls for increased patrols

A resident who frequents the area said things like this happen all the time and believes a bigger police presence will help keep everyone safe.

“We ain’t protected over here, man. We look that light. And these are the most peaceful people you probably want to be acquainted with. And we just need help. Send somebody to help us. Protect us. That should have never got hit in the head. That guy should have never died. Had it been protection over here. Patrol like it’s supposed to be,” the resident said.

Ward 3 Commissioner Vilnis Gaines said he is aware of the crime concerns around the inn and believes the solution is multi-layered, including addressing the need for safe, affordable housing.

“Chief personally, he’s doing his best. Patrol that area. We have enforced that area very much stronger. But it’s just like... There’s poor employment in that area. And it’s the housing. Housing is a problem in Albany. We’re trying to get these people out of these hotels. We’re trying to address housing. We’re trying to put new houses in and build apartments in Albany so people will have somewhere to stay,” Gaines said.

Gaines said he plans to keep pushing for more housing options and better employment opportunities in that area.

APD said that anyone with further information should contact their investigative unit at 229-431-2100. You can also submit a tip through the APD mobile app or through Crime Stoppers at 229-436-TIPS.

WALB is working to learn more. Stay with us.

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