Man Shot In Face At Fish Fry

An innocent bystander gave Channel 2 Action News reporter Mark Winne a first-hand account of what happened the evening he was shot in the face.

An Atlanta police detective said they are looking for the suspected gunman, Edward Smith. Police hope the victim’s story and a reward will prompt someone who knows of Smith’s whereabouts to give officials information.

Investigator Brian Yepez of the Atlanta Police Department said he believes Smith is still in Atlanta. Police said Smith is known to hang out at the Allen Temple and the Cushman Circle apartment complexes.

The victim in the shooting sat down with Winne to recount the night he was shot in the face.

“I just heard gunshots. I tried to duck but the gunshot had already hit me in the face,” said the victim, who only wanted to use the name, J.J. “I got shot in the face right here. It went in, came out of my chin right here. I got a plate. They cut me open right here.”

“Our suspect is Edward Smith,” said Yepez. “He is charged with aggravated assault two counts, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He’s very dangerous.”

J.J. was shot in the face at a fish fry on Father’s Day weekend.

“(I have) four plates right here to hold my jaw,” said J.J.

“Everybody was here for the fish fry but the shooter came unwelcomed,” said Yepez.

Yepez said police believe Smith had an argument with an ex-girlfriend who was at the fish fry at the Cushman Circle Apartments off Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in southwest Atlanta.

Yepez said witnesses identified Smith as the shooter.

Anyone with information about Smith’s whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404.577.TIPS. That’s 404.577.8477. You can remain anonymous and still receive a reward.