Alexander Wood, a multi-convicted felon, faces a federal charge of illegal possession of a firearm after allegedly shooting at a homeless encampment in downtown Atlanta. This federal prosecution follows local authorities' handling of related offenses, which resulted in a significantly shorter sentence.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg said, "After more than 20 years of racking up felony convictions in state court, Wood allegedly armed himself and shot at a homeless encampment, jeopardizing innocent lives with an unlawfully possessed firearm." Hertzberg emphasized that "unrepentant and undeterred violent criminals who possess firearms despite repeated state-court convictions will be held accountable in federal court, where there is no opportunity for parole."
The incident occurred on October 10, 2025, when Wood allegedly drove to a downtown Atlanta homeless encampment and discharged a firearm. After an Atlanta Police Department officer responded, Wood fled in a high-speed chase, reportedly attempting to ram the pursuing police car. Officers arrested Wood shortly thereafter at an apartment, locating a Smith & Wesson handgun under bushes near the entrance, an area surveillance footage allegedly showed Wood running through moments before their arrival.
Wood, 43, of Atlanta, Georgia, has a history of felony convictions for violent crimes and drug trafficking, including burglary, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and armed robbery. A grand jury returned an indictment charging him with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person on April 14, 2026, to which he pled not guilty in federal court on June 25, 2026. Based on his criminal history, Wood faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years of imprisonment and could be sentenced to life.
In contrast, Wood pled guilty in April 2026 in the Superior Court of Fulton County to fleeing from police and several misdemeanors stemming from the October 2025 shooting, receiving a sentence of just one year with credit for time served. As a result of the federal indictment, Wood is currently in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service and is being held without bail.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Marlo Graham said, "Multiple convictions at the state level have not deterred Alexander Wood from continuing his alleged life of crime." Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum added, "Our officers responded quickly and worked closely with our federal partners to ensure this incident was thoroughly investigated." This case is part of "Operation Take Back America" and "Project Safe Neighborhoods," initiatives focused on reducing violent crime. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.