ATLANTA — A high school student says he was on a MARTA train studying for the SAT when a man shot him multiple times.
J’von Easterling, 17 years old, is now in the hospital recovering.
His principal says a bag he just bought may have saved him. Arthur Washington also told Channel 2’s Tom Jones that J’Von is a stellar student scholar.
“Aww, man. J’Von is that guy,” he said.
When you step inside KIPP Atlanta Collegiate in northwest Atlanta, it won’t take long to find evidence of J’Von’s academic success.
“So, J’von is located right here on our KIPP Atlanta Collegiate scholar of distinction wall,” Washington pointed out.
The teen is on the wall because of his high test scores.
“He’s sitting at over 4.0 GPA,” the principal said.
J’Von is in student government, he’s a 3-time state track champion and he’s a dual enrollment student.
“He’s a part of part of Georgia Tech Project Engages,” Washington said.
J’Von had left that science and engineering program at Georgia Tech on June 5.
That’s when police say 42-year-old Anthony Gresham shot him in the hand and in the leg as he sat on a MARTA train at the Midtown Station.
J’Von told his principal what happened.
“He was like I was sitting down and I knew I had to focus for the SAT. I was looking over some videos and then all of a sudden ...,” Washington said.
Shots rang out.
Washington says it could have been worse, except a bag J’Von just bought on a college tour blocked one of the bullets.
“It was just destiny that he had that bag on that day in that position,” he said.
Initial reports said J’Von was targeted. His family says he is a victim and had nothing to do with the man accused of shooting him.
“He’s not that guy. He stays out of the way. And he’s always just about achievement and progressing,” his principal said.
Gresham now faces felony charges in connection with the shooting. Federal law enforcement say he has a long criminal history.
J’Von has had to have multiple surgeries. He’s scheduled for another one Monday evening.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help with medical and recovery-related expenses.
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