Crime
Security guard killed in shooting at Doraville Honduran Consulate identified as Jesus Loera
DORAVILLE, Ga. — A tragic shooting at the Honduran Consulate in Doraville on Monday afternoon resulted in the death of a security guard and left a second person injured, officials confirmed.
The incident occurred outside the main entrance of the consulate, located at 6755 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, at approximately 2:30 p.m., according to Emily Heenan, a representative for the city of Doraville.
The consulate is situated on the ground floor of a two-story office building.
Honduran Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina identified the deceased guard as 45-year-old Jesús Loera, a Mexican national employed by a private security company contracted by the consulate.
According to preliminary reports, the suspect attempted to enter the consulate armed with a gun, which is prohibited on the premises.
The individual, who did not have an appointment, was confronted by Loera.
The guard managed to close the door, preventing the suspect from entering the building, but was subsequently shot five times.
Loera was unarmed at the time of the incident.
Authorities detained the suspect and confirmed that the individual is under questioning. While the nationality of the suspect has not been officially determined, initial indications suggest the person may be Honduran.
Surveillance footage from the consulate has been handed over to investigators for review.
Foreign Minister Reina expressed condolences to Loera’s family during a press conference in Honduras and praised his efforts to safeguard the consulate.
He confirmed that he is in communication with U.S. local and state officials, the State Department, and Honduran President Xiomara Castro.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State issued a statement condemning the attack, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to the safety of diplomatic facilities and personnel under the Vienna Conventions.
“Attacks and threats against diplomatic facilities are unacceptable,” the spokesperson stated.
Doraville police cordoned off much of the business complex’s parking lot as they conducted their investigation. By 5:30 p.m., officers began clearing the scene.
Details about the condition of the second victim have not been released. Witnesses in nearby businesses declined to comment on the incident.
The Honduran Consulate in Doraville is one of 14 consulates operated by Honduras in the United States, in addition to its embassy in Washington, D.C., according to the consulate’s website.
The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
Crime
Teen Killed, Another Critically Injured in Targeted Shooting Near Columbia Mall – Suspect in Custody
Columbia, MD – A teenage boy was killed, and another remains in critical condition following a targeted shooting near The Mall in Columbia on Saturday evening.
According to Howard County Police Chief Gregory Der, the shooting did not occur inside the mall but took place in the vicinity of the Lidl grocery store and a bus stop on Little Patuxent Parkway.
Mall operations were unaffected and proceeded as normal, closing at 8 p.m.
Authorities have arrested 18-year-old Emmetson Zeah of Columbia in connection with the double shooting.
Zeah has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, and other related offenses.
The incident occurred on February 22 at approximately 5:52 p.m. when police responded to reports of gunfire in the 10300 block of Little Patuxent Parkway.
Upon arrival, officers discovered two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
One victim, identified as 16-year-old Michael Robertson, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The second victim, 15-year-old Blake McCray, was transported to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, where he remains in critical condition.
Investigators believe the shooting was a targeted attack; however, the motive remains unclear.
During a search of Zeah’s residence, authorities recovered the firearm used in the crime as well as the clothing he allegedly wore during the incident.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.