Station 464 Apartments' Security Guard Shot By Group Burglarizing Cars

Could the owners of the Station 464 apartment homes be held partially liable after the security guard was shot on the premises?

A security guard working at the Station 464 Apartments was confronting a group breaking into cars in the parking lot of the complex when he was shot. Police say, the suspects’ getaway driver started shooting in the guard’s direction, wounding him in the leg.

The security guard is said to be recovering and is in stable condition. Police have released photos of the suspects, but have not made any arrests.

Georgia Negligent Security Law

When landlords disregard potential criminal activity, maintenance issues, or security threats, and fail to take important steps to protect residents and guests from those dangers, they could be fostering an environment that invites more crime. Landlords in Georgia are required to adopt reasonable security measures to prevent potential crimes, and they risk legal repercussions if they don't.

The good news is that it has been shown that apartment buildings that mount security cameras in plain view, install functional access-controlled gates and secure perimeter fencing, maintain adequate lighting, and, when the presence of criminal activity calls for it, private security guards can reduce violent crime.

A History of Crime at the Station 464 Apartments

Online reviews detail security concerns at the Station 464 apartments. One reviewer notes that the parking lot gate malfunctioned and to make matters worse, “the elevators are always out of order.” The same reviewer goes on to state the management company treats residents like children. A sentiment shared by other residents who have left reviews.

Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice

Law enforcement may be able to apprehend violent criminals and bring them to justice, but they cannot force property owners to make security enhancements that will help prevent the apartment complex from becoming a safe haven for criminals.

Only the survivors of violent crime, or the victim's family, are eligible to file a civil lawsuit against landlords and property managers. A civil judgment can assist with costs like medical bills and lost income as well as serve as a beginning step toward healing, even if it would never be able to completely make up for the anguish brought on by a violent criminal attack.

Perhaps more importantly, a monetary judgment can force a negligent landlord to take notice of what is becoming of their community and may provide the incentive needed for these landlords to improve their properties and make them less attractive to violent criminals.

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