Atlanta Beltline stabbing leaves man dead near Kroger grocery store; suspect in custody

An argument on the Atlanta Beltline escalated Sunday afternoon, leaving one person dead, police said.

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said during a news conference that just after 4 p.m., officers responded to a report of a stabbing near the Kroger grocery store at 725 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE. Officers found a 29-year-old man who had been stabbed in the neck.

The man was taken by ambulance to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he died.

"We believe this was an attack that was carried out as a result of an argument that was verbal in nature and quickly escalated," Schierbaum said.

Officers detained 54-year-old Jonathan Hamby at the scene. Schierbaum said police believe Hamby was responsible for the stabbing. He was taken to Atlanta police headquarters for questioning.

Police also recovered a knife they believe was used in the attack.

Charges had not been announced as of the news conference. Police have also not released the victim's name.

Schierbaum said investigators do not believe there is an ongoing danger to people using the BeltLine.

"I want to reassure everyone that is watching this statement that there is no threat to anyone that is utilizing the Beltline right now," Schierbaum said.

Investigators from the Atlanta Police Department's homicide and aggravated assault units are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the stabbing. Police said the information remains preliminary and could change as the investigation continues.