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Usher, Diddy, Other Celebs Rushed To Safety After Atlanta Nightclub Shooting

Security Guard Shot After Some Patrons Allegedly Double-Charged For VIP Access

Posted: 11:01 am EDT August 2, 2008Updated: 2:38 pm EDT August 3, 2008

What started out as a fun Friday night quickly turned into a frightening experience for patrons of an Atlanta nightclub early Saturday morning.

DeKalb County police spokesman Marcus Hodge said gunfire erupted at a celeb-filled party held at Club Dreams at 3595 Clairmont Road around 3:30 a.m.

The party, which kicked off the third annual So So Def Summerfest weekend, was hosted by Atlanta-based music mogul Jermaine Dupri.

Hodge said the shooting occurred after some patrons were allegedly double-charged by security guards to enter the VIP section of the club.

  • SLIDESHOW: Mass Exodus Of Celebrities After Atlanta Nightclub Shooting

  • Hodge said some patrons became rowdy after allegedly being double-charged and were escorted outside the nightclub, where the shooting took place.

    Hodge said an unknown male pulled out a gun and began firing shots. Hodge said a security guard employed by the club was struck in the arm.

    Hodge said none of the celebrity guests, which included R&B singer Usher, rapper Nelly, actress Regina King, actress Gabrielle Union and actor Larenz Tate, were injured. Many other celebrities were in attendance.

    Hodge told WSB-TV the security guard was transported to an area hospital. The guard, whose injuries were not life-threatening, was treated and released.

    Authorities said they are still interviewing witnesses to determine the gunman’s identity.

    "The shooting was an isolated incident," said a representative for So So Def Summerfest Weekend.

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