An armed suspect was fatally shot, and a Fulton County sheriff's deputy was injured during a shootout Monday evening in Atlanta's West End neighborhood.
The incident began after two employees sought help from the deputy, Lieutenant Gerald Johnson, following an armed robbery at a nearby business, authorities said. He sustained minor injuries to his hand and is expected to recover, officials said.
Why It Matters
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has launched an inquiry into the use of force, while the Atlanta Police Department is investigating the robbery.
What To Know
The shooting unfolded shortly after 5 p.m. in the 600 block of Lee Street near Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard SW. Johnson, who was working off-duty, was approached by employees of Easy Rental, a store specializing in furniture and appliance rentals, seeking assistance after an alleged armed robbery.
Authorities confirmed the suspect was fatally shot during the gunfire exchange. Although the sheriff's office did not specify how the man died, Sheriff Pat Labat praised Johnson's actions, stating he "ran toward danger."
According to Labat, the suspect, armed with an assault-style rifle, robbed the Easy Rental store and a Krispy Kreme located behind it. The situation escalated when Johnson confronted the suspect, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
Johnson was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he was treated for a non-life-threatening injury to his right hand.
"His wife is here with him, who also works in law enforcement," the sheriff said.
The GBI reported that two employees from Easy Rental were also injured during the incident, though their conditions have not been disclosed. Labat revealed that Johnson, a veteran officer since 1993 who briefly retired in 2017, returned to active duty part-time in 2022.
What People Are Saying
Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat, to Fox 5 Atlanta: "As we often do, he ran toward danger, and he actually saved people's lives in our estimation."
"It's one of those things where, ultimately, you want your loved ones to come home safe...When you're faced with an assault-style weapon, he did a wonderful job."
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation, in a press release: "The suspect was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Investigators later discovered the suspect had shot two employees at the Easy Rental while attempting to rob it as well. The GBI will conduct an independent investigation. Once complete, the file will be given to the Fulton County District Attorney's Office for review."
What's Next
The GBI's investigation into the use of force and the Atlanta Police Department's inquiry into the armed robbery will likely determine the sequence of events leading to the shootout. As the investigations progress, more details, including the suspect's identity and the conditions of the injured employees, are expected to be released.
Meanwhile, Johnson remains on medical leave as he recovers from his injuries. Further updates from the GBI and APD are anticipated in the coming weeks.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
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