Man wanted for escaping law enforcement identified as suspect in Atlanta BeltLine stabbing death, police say
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A man is dead after being stabbed on the Atlanta BeltLine in the Piedmont Heights neighborhood Friday night.
Police said officers responded to 243 Montgomery Ferry Road NE after 8 p.m. and found a man with “an apparent stab wound.” He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officers have identified the suspect as William Coleman, 27. Coleman was wanted by the Georgia Department of Corrections for escape, according to police.
The man was taken into custody and faces charges of murder, aggravated assault and possession of a knife during the commission of a felony.
Corrections records show that Coleman had been in prison since October 2021 on charges including robbery, simple battery and obstruction of a law enforcement officer. He was most recently held at the Atlanta Transitional Center, which is about two miles south of where the stabbing happened.
The Atlanta Transitional Center provides men nearing the end of their sentences with counseling services, job programs and more so they can “assume responsible citizenship,” according to the center’s website.
Meanwhile, BeltLine officials said the stabbing was between two people who were homeless. Investigators are pulling video from BeltLine security cameras to learn more.
“The safety and well-being of our community are of utmost importance to the BeltLine, and our thoughts are with those affected by this event,” BeltLine officials said in a statement.
The area is shut down as police continue their investigation.
Surprised and concerned locals told Atlanta News First that the area is usually safe.
“This place is pretty crowded during the day, and obviously you see a lot of families watching their dogs and their children and all of that. So far, we’ve always felt really safe around here,” said Anu Radhakrishan.
“Definitely it’s something that’s really scary, especially inside this area,” said Tadzia Toote, who was training for a marathon on the Beltline with two friends Saturday morning. “We’re not really used to it.”
Officers ask anyone with information about the incident to contact Atlanta police.
This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First as we learn more.
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