ATLANTA — Alexander Wood, 43, pleaded not guilty in federal court on Thursday to a charge of illegal firearm possession. U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg announced the federal charge following a grand jury indictment in April.

The charge stems from an incident on October 10, 2025, when Wood is accused of driving to a homeless encampment in downtown Atlanta and firing a shot. Atlanta police arrived at the scene, and Wood allegedly fled in a high-speed chase, reportedly attempting to run into a pursuing police car. Police arrested Wood at an apartment shortly after the chase, where they found a gun near the entrance.

Police stated that surveillance video shows Wood running through the area where the gun was discovered. Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said, "Our officers responded quickly and worked closely with our federal partners to ensure this incident was thoroughly investigated." Schierbaum added, "We remain committed to protecting all who call Atlanta home and to strengthening the trust and collaboration we share with the communities we serve."

Authorities stated Wood has several previous felony convictions for violent crimes and drug trafficking, including burglary, armed robbery, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

Due to his criminal history, Wood faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison for the federal gun charge and could be sentenced to life. In April, Wood pleaded guilty in Fulton County Superior Court to state charges related to the shooting, including fleeing from police and several misdemeanors. He received a sentence of one year of imprisonment with credit for time served for those state charges.

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." Wood, an Atlanta resident, is currently in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service and is being held without bail.