ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - A terrifying moment in broad daylight has left a Dougherty County community on edge after a driver sitting at a red light became the target of gunfire Wednesday afternoon.

Twenty-two-year-old Desmore Blanton Mack Jr. is now behind bars, charged with aggravated assault with a firearm. But police say this investigation is far from over.

What Happened

The shooting happened Wednesday afternoon at the intersection of West Oakridge Drive and Newton Road near the Marathon gas station.

According to Albany Police, Charles Bradwell was stopped at a red light when he heard gunshots coming from behind his car. He told police the weapon sounded automatic.

Bradwell ducked down and slowly pulled into the nearby Homerun Foods parking lot across the street.

Witnesses Describe Chaos

Workers at both the Marathon and Homerun Foods heard the shots and ran for safety.

“One side is bad. Other side is good because no one was hurt and we are fine. But we need security. We need it. We need them to do something,” a store owner told WALB News 10.

The witness said they heard the gunfire but thought it sounded like BB guns because of the distance.

“They shot on the other side, and we found on the road, bullets,” the store owner said.

One Homerun Foods employee was taking out the trash when the shots rang out. Another was sweeping the sidewalk. Both dove for cover.

“It happened in the daytime. People are scared about that. But really no one was hurt and that’s what we want,” the witness said.

Car Riddled with Bullets

Police found Bradwell’s car riddled with bullets:

• Three holes in the front windshield
• Ten more on the driver’s side
• Both windows shattered
• A flat tire from the gunfire

Miraculously, Bradwell was not hurt.

Community Activist Speaks Out

Community activist Tyler Harris says enough is enough with young men choosing gun violence in the City of Albany.

“That’s a killing piece of equipment. That’s something for guerrilla warfare. That’s something you would use in the military. That’s something you would use if you were at war with another enemy or country. There is no reason for a regular citizen to walk around with that much firepower,” Harris said.

Harris says the community needs a new method of solving issues.

“Sometimes it’s not that serious. Sometimes it’s just a conversation. Sometimes it’s a situation where you can say I’m sorry or I apologize -- a misunderstanding. And one misunderstanding shouldn’t end in death for anyone,” Harris said.

Arrest Made

Officers arrested Desmore Mack Jr. following the incident. He is being held at the Dougherty County Jail with no bond.

Police say they’re still investigating a motive for the shooting.

How to Help

If you have any information about this shooting, you’re asked to call Albany Police or Crime Stoppers.

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