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.”…