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Inset: Christopher Ates (Houston County Sheriff). Background: Palmetto Elementary School in Georgia where Ates allegedly shot a woman to death (WSB/YouTube).
In Georgia, a man is accused of fatally shooting a DoorDash driver near an elementary school before engaging in a police pursuit with a child in the car.
Authorities allege that 39-year-old Christopher Ates shot and killed Eboni Anderson, aged 34, late Tuesday morning outside Palmetto Elementary School, situated near Atlanta. This incident led to a “hard lockdown” at the school, necessitating the relocation of over 500 students to a different school for parental pickup.
Later that day, traffic cameras reportedly spotted Ates’ vehicle traveling more than 100 miles south to Warner Robins. When police attempted to stop Ates, he allegedly fled, sparking a chase that ended when he collided with a semi-truck and veered off the road, according to the Houston County Sheriff’s Office’s statements to local Fox affiliate WAGA.
After his arrest, officers discovered a young child in the backseat, who was visibly upset.
“Deputies promptly rescued the juvenile from the vehicle, and emergency medical services assessed the child’s condition,” the sheriff’s office informed NBC affiliate WXIA. “The juvenile was subsequently entrusted to the Houston County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Division.”
Ates is currently facing charges of reckless driving, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer and child endangerment. He has not been charged in Anderson’s death, but authorities say they expect that to happen soon. Officials have not said what relationship, if any, the suspect and victim had. It’s also unclear if the child found in the backseat of Ates’ car after the chase was present for the shooting.
WXIA reports that Anderson was making deliveries for DoorDash at the time of her death.
“This is a tragic situation and our thoughts are with the Dasher’s loved ones. Our team is urgently investigating and working with law enforcement to help their investigation in any way possible,” DoorDash wrote in a statement to the outlet.
A GoFundMe account description called Anderson a “beautiful, kind, and gentle soul.”
“Anyone who knew her knows the warmth and love she carried in her heart. We are heartbroken beyond words and are trying to process this unimaginable loss,” the GoFundMe said.
Anderson’s children go to Fulton County Schools, but they do not attend Palmetto, per the district.
“Based on information shared by law enforcement, the incident appears to have been a domestic dispute that spilled over onto school grounds. Tragically, a woman was shot and killed. While this is an incredibly difficult circumstance for our community, I want to reassure you that no Palmetto Elementary students or staff were involved, and at no time were individuals inside our building in danger. Our team acted swiftly and followed all safety protocols as trained,” Principal Jacqueline Bowens wrote in a letter obtained by WAGA.
Ates remains in the Houston County Jail on the current charges.