Alexander Wood, a multi-convicted felon, appeared in federal court on June 25 and pled not guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person after allegedly shooting at a homeless encampment in downtown Atlanta. Wood was indicted by a grand jury on April 14 for the crime and is currently being held without bail by the U.S. Marshals Service.
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. 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.”
Marlo Graham, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, said, “Multiple convictions at the state level have not deterred Alexander Wood from continuing his alleged life of crime. The FBI will continue to find and arrest dangerous criminals who repeatedly are a danger to society.” Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum added that officers responded quickly to the October 10, 2025, incident and worked closely with federal partners: “Our officers responded quickly and worked closely with our federal partners to ensure this incident was thoroughly investigated. We remain committed to protecting all who call Atlanta home and to strengthening the trust and collaboration we share with the communities we serve.”
According to information presented in court by U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, Wood allegedly drove to the encampment on October 10 last year and discharged a firearm before fleeing police during a high-speed chase that included an attempt to run into the pursuing police car. Officers arrested him shortly afterward near an apartment building where they recovered a Smith & Wesson handgun under bushes close to the entrance; surveillance footage showed Wood running through that area moments before officers arrived.
Wood has multiple prior felony convictions for violent crimes including burglary, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and armed robbery. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment if convicted federally but had previously pled guilty in Fulton County Superior Court only to fleeing from police-related misdemeanors from this incident—receiving one year’s imprisonment credited for time served.
Members of the public are reminded that these charges are allegations only; guilt must be proven beyond reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America as well as Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), both initiatives aimed at reducing violent crime through coordinated law enforcement efforts across local communities. According to the official website, Theodore S. Hertzberg serves as United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia—a region covering north Georgia mountains through metro Atlanta—and coordinates cases involving terrorism threats or civil rights violations while collaborating with law enforcement agencies locally and internationally.