Two men shot at Chroma Park Apartments

Do the owners or property managers of Chroma Park Apartments face legal liability after two men were shot at the complex?

Police were dispatched to the Chroma Park Apartments in Austell, GA after two men were shot near the playground in the complex. One was shot in the chest and the other in the rear. Both were transported to the hospital for treatment. Their condition is currently unknown.

This is an active investigation by the major crimes unit. Cobb County police are asking for anyone with more information to come forward.

Georgia Negligent Security Law

Negligent security happens when a property owner or manager doesn’t take basic steps to keep their property safe, potentially leading to injuries. For example, if a parking lot is poorly lit, security gates are broken and not fixed, or there aren’t enough security guards, it can make it easier for crimes to happen.

In Georgia, the law says that property owners must provide reasonable security in areas where crime is foreseeable. This means they might need to install visible security cameras, hire on-site security guards, put up fences with gates that control who comes and goes, or staff guard stations at parking garages and building entrances.

A History of Crime at the Chroma Park Apartments

Crime at Chroma Park is a concern. In Feb 2019, a man set fire to the apartments displaying several residents. In May 2019 a 17-year-old was shot and killed while in one of the apartments at the complex. In June 2024, three men broke into an apartment at the complex and held a resident at gunpoint. Later they realized they had broken into the wrong apartment.

Online Reviews reveal a general lack of assistance for residents from the office, poor living conditions, and slow and ineffective maintenance of the apartment complex leading to pests and security concerns.

“The extended gate is open more than it is closed,” states one resident. “Crime is very high: break-ins, shootings, and drugs,” said another.

“All in all, living at Chroma Park was a terrible experience,” concludes one former resident.

Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice

In Georgia, apartment owners are required to take basic measures to protect residents and visitors by safeguarding their properties from crime. While law enforcement can apprehend suspects and pursue criminal charges, ultimately police lack the authority to compel property owners to enhance safety protocols or compensate victims.

When individuals fall victim to shootings and other violent crimes on these properties, or their families are impacted, they must independently file lawsuits against the property owners to seek financial compensation. Such compensation can cover expenses like medical bills and lost wages, but it cannot fully alleviate the emotional toll of these traumatic incidents.

Importantly, the prospect of facing substantial financial payouts may serve as a deterrent, motivating property owners and managers to bolster security measures. By seeking justice from the property owner, families not only protect the community but also reinforce the critical role of accountability in ensuring a safer living environment or all residents.

Together we can Make Atlanta Safe, one community at a time.