Man Pulls Out Handgun in Atlanta Airport Before Shooting Himself in the Torso: Police By Charna Flam

A man allegedly shot himself with a handgun he brought to the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Sunday, Dec. 21, the Atlanta Police Department said in a news release and press conference.

Douglas E. Smith, 59, entered the airport around 3:30 p.m. local time. He had a handgun in his possession and went up the escalators to the upper level of baggage claim, police allege.  

There, he “intentionally” shot himself in the “upper left torso,” and “fell to the ground,” Major D. Wilson said during the press conference. A nearby patron kicked the gun out of Smith’s hand and called authorities.

When officers arrived, they found Smith “alert, conscious” and “breathing.” He sustained a gunshot wound to his left arm. He was transported to the local hospital, and as of that same evening, he was in stable condition, according to police.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.          

Smith has been charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and reckless conduct, the APD said in its press release.

Once he is discharged from the hospital, he will be taken into custody at the Clayton County Jail.

Related Stories

Man Arrested at Atlanta Airport After His Family Thwarted His Plans to ‘Shoot It Up’: ‘Tragedy Averted’

Southwest Airlines Flight Struck by Bullet Before Takeoff at Dallas Airport

Normal travel operations continued, despite the shooting, an airport representative said.

“Safety is obviously our number one priority, and Atlanta airport is by far in a way one of the safest major airports in the entire world,” Wilson said.

The shooting remains under investigation.

If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.