An Atlanta chef has been charged after allegedly shooting two teenage boys who were suspected of attempting to steal delivery packages from outside his home in broad daylight.
The shooting took place in a quiet residential area of southwest Atlanta and has since triggered widespread discussion around porch piracy, gun laws, and homeowners’ rights, particularly because both victims are minors.
What happened in the Mays neighbourhood of Atlanta?
Police say the incident happened at around 3.40pm on Thursday at a townhouse on Celeste Lane SW, in the Mays neighbourhood, just southwest of Downtown Atlanta.
The homeowner, Rakim Bradford, who is reported to be the head chef at a local IHOP restaurant, noticed two teenagers lingering near his front porch shortly after a delivery van had made a drop.
Investigators believe the boys, aged 15 and 16, had followed the delivery vehicle into the Villages of Cascade complex after spotting it nearby.
“After the packages were dropped, they agreed to steal that package from the front of the residence,” the arrest warrant stated.
Why did the Atlanta chef open fire?
According to police, Bradford confronted the teenagers as they approached the packages. Before anything was taken, he allegedly discharged a firearm, striking both boys.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said officers believe a property crime was underway, but stressed that the response raised serious legal concerns.
“We believe a property crime was occurring, that some packages were being taken off a front porch, which is common this time of year.
The homeowner did discharge his weapon to stop that theft of packages,” Schierbaum told reporters.
Charges filed against the Atlanta chef
Bradford was detained at the scene and later charged with two counts of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
Police have confirmed the case is not being treated as a home invasion, which plays a key role in how the charges were applied. No charges have been announced against the teenagers.
What injuries did the teenagers suffer?
Emergency services were called shortly after gunshots were reported in the area.
The 15-year-old was found with a gunshot wound to his right foot, while the 16-year-old was later located nearby with a gunshot wound to his right arm.
The older teenager was taken to the hospital in critical condition and required surgery. He is now expected to survive.
“The Atlanta Police Department takes gun violence very seriously. Anytime a child is injured in our city, we take that extremely seriously,” Chief Schierbaum said.
Porch piracy and rising concerns in US cities
Porch piracy, the theft of parcels left outside homes, has become increasingly common across the United States, especially during busy delivery periods.
Residents in the area told local media that package thefts had been reported before, adding to the frustration among homeowners.
However, legal experts often note that property theft does not justify the use of deadly force, particularly when suspects are unarmed.
How are neighbours reacting to the shooting?
The incident has divided opinion within the local community. Local resident Andrew Julian highlighted the moral and legal questions raised by the shooting.
“Don’t go and steal people’s packages. On the other side of that, what right do you have to defend your own home, and then what decision do you make to defend your own home based on somebody taking an item off of your porch?” he said.
National attention on gun violence and self-defence laws
The case has drawn attention beyond Atlanta, touching on broader debates around gun control, youth crime, and self-defence laws in the US.
Legal analysts say the outcome may depend on whether Bradford’s actions are judged to be reasonable or excessive under Georgia law.
For now, the Atlanta chef remains charged, while police continue to review evidence and witness accounts.
