On the corner of Piedmont and John Wesley Dobbs Ave in Atlanta is a RaceTrac gas station. On the other side of the street is the University Commons for Georgia State University [GSU].
This gas station has a dubious history. Before it was bought by RaceTrac it was a Shell station that was nicknamed “Shady Shell” by GSU students.
However, a change of ownership did not stop the problems.
On March 7th, 2021, a victim was shot and wounded during a robbery at this station. Another victim was said to have been injured. Media barely reported on the incident. No victim or suspect was ever identified.
On December 4th, 2022, GSU student Joshua Eghosa Igbinijesu was shot and killed at this gas station. The Atlanta police called it a “targeted shooting,” but have never announced any suspects.
Then on April 2nd, a large groups of Black males rioted at the gas station. Even after police arrived, the rioting continued. Eventually a man was shot in the back. Police say he was an innocent bystander who was hit when “two different groups fired at each other.”
GSU has a student body that is 41% Black. The census tract is 56% Black.
