Juvenile arrested in shooting death of soldier in Kirkwood

ATLANTA, Ga. — Police say a juvenile has been arrested in connection with the Friday night shooting death of a local soldier.

Atlanta police provided the update Saturday morning. Police have not released the name of the suspect, who has been charged with one count of murder and one count of armed robbery. Channel 2 Action News is trying to find out if other suspects are being sought.

Meanwhile, neighbors say they're outraged by the violent attack and lined the streets with signs adorned with the letter "X" in honor of the victim, X'avier Arnold, 21.

Atlanta police said the robbery and shooting on a bike path between Rogers and Warren streets was unprovoked.

"Our victims, their behavior had nothing to do with what happened to them," said Atlanta Police Capt. Paul Guerrucci. "It appears to be a senseless robbery."

A resident placed a candle and flowers at the sight where the National Guard soldier, and art student at the Savannah College of Art and Design was fatally wounded.

Arnold's mother kneeled at the sight and said a prayer; and his National Guard commander talked to Channel 2's Carl Willis.

"We sign up to protect this country, and we feel that we can be free in this country and not have to worry about nonsense like this," said Capt. Jermaine Anderson.

On Friday police said they were making significant progress in tracking down the attackers.

"We have developed significant leads," said Guerrucci. "We have identified some individuals that are involved and we are actively looking for those individuals right now."

Police say they are using all resources to bring swift justice and said the Atlanta Fugitive Unit, along with the U.S. Marshals and the FBI Robbery Homicide Task Force, were on the case.

They said they could still use information from the public.

Guerrucci said the Kirkwood community contributed funds to bring the Crime Stoppers reward to $5,000 for information that leads to arrests.

"If you know anything please come forward," said Anderson. "This has to be answered. We have to have some resolve for the family."

Anderson said Arnold used his artistic talent for the Guard serving as a geospatial engineer. He would design maps and provide intelligence for his commanders.

Arnold's mother said the Chamblee High School graduate studied animation at the SCAD campus in Savannah.

Kirkwood residents said they were planning a vigil for Arnold scheduled for Saturday afternoon.

WSBTV