19 Year Old Atlanta Teen Survives After Being Shot 15 Times While Trying To Leave A Street Gang.

An Atlanta teen who wanted to leave a street gang was shot more than a dozen times by members of the gang when he told them his intentions, police say.

"Never since I've been in law enforcement have I seen someone shot 15 times and live," U.S. Marshal Eric Heinz said. "(He) told the other members of the gang, 'Hey, look, I want to go straight, be law-abiding,' and they weren't happy with it."

The 19-year-old was shot and started crawling and moaning, MyFoxAtlanta.com reported. The people who aided him are now in protective custody. The gang's motto is reportedly: You're in until you die.

A relative of the victim said that he underwent surgery and is recovering.

"I think he's strong and he's a survivor," said the relative, who asked not to be identified.

Agents with the U.S. Marshals Counter Gang Unit and Atlanta Police arrested two people in the shooting, including a 16-year-old and 19-year-old Farrakmad Muhammad Price, who they say was found Tuesday hiding in Tennessee.

The victim's family warned other teens against joining gangs.