2 Georgia officers shot, suspect killed during gunfire exchange
ATLANTA, Ga. - Two officers were shot and a suspect died following an exchange of gunfire near a motel in Fulton County on Friday.
At around 11:40 a.m., Fulton County police responded to reports of a suspicious person near the Budgetel Inn and Suites at 4120 Fulton Industrial Boulevard. A South Fulton police officer responded to the scene to assist.
That’s when the suspect was stopped for allegedly jaywalking and opened fire.
“Upon arrival, an exchange of gunfire occurred, resulting in injuries to both a Fulton County police officer and a South Fulton police officer. The suspect was fatally wounded during the incident,” the South Fulton Police Department said in a statement.
Police said both officers were shot.
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“I noticed an officer had detained someone in the median and that fellow happened to, I didn’t quite see where he got the weapon from, but suddenly he was a bit away from the officer and he pulled out a weapon and started firing at the officer,” witness Jeremy Snow said.
South Fulton Police Chief Keith Meadows identified his officer as Lt. Charles Cook, who has been with the department since its inception. He said he was shot three times and is “critical.”
Meadows said the Fulton County officer is doing “fine.”
Fulton County Police Chief Wade Yates opted not to identify his “relatively new” officer, but said he is experienced and came from another jurisdiction.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on Friday released a statement on X, asking all Georgians to pray for the officer.
“Marty, the girls, and I are asking that all Georgians us in praying for the South Fulton Police officer currently in critical condition following a tragic shooting today,” Kemp’s statement read. “In just a matter of days, this lone police department has demonstrated multiple times that law enforcement put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve their fellow Georgians. All those who wear a badge and uniform deserve our unfailing gratitude and prayers.
“We will continue to pray for the victims and families of these separate violent incidents in the days and weeks ahead, and ask that God protect all law enforcement throughout the state and nation.”
Chief Yates says his officer chased the suspect into the motel parking lot after Lt. Cook was shot. There was another exchange of gunfire and the suspect “went down.”
But police are still investigating who fired the shots that killed the suspect. A witness staying at the hotel told Atlanta News First he saw the suspect ultimately take his own life.
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“I woke up to the gunshots. It was a good bit of them. When I woke up, I went to the window to see what was going on and all I saw was the dude running into the hotel,” witness Quielawn Johnson said. “I don’t know if he was shot already, but it seemed like he was because he fell over and then immediately after he fell over, he put the gun to his own head and shot himself.”
Police would not comment when pressed about the suspect possibly taking his own life.
Both police chiefs give credit to the Fulton County officer who likely saved the life of the South Fulton officer by using a tourniquet.
There is still a heavy police presence along the 4000 block of Fulton County Industrial Boulevard and the road is closed to traffic.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is handling the case.
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