In South Fulton, Georgia, a confrontation between two police officers and a suspect turned deadly on Friday afternoon. Two officers sustained injuries and the suspect was shot dead in the gunfire incident that occurred just south of Atlanta.
The sequence of events began shortly before noon when Fulton County police officers noticed a person jaywalking near a motel, prompting them to seek additional support. Lt. Charles Cook, from the city of South Fulton Police Department, responded to the scene. As Cook got out of his vehicle, the suspect immediately started shooting, according to South Fulton Police Chief Keith Meadows.
Officers at the scene fired back, and the suspect was hit. The precise details about which officer’s shot was fatal have yet to be clarified, Chief Meadows indicated. The exchange left Lt. Cook critically injured, as he was struck by three bullets. He is currently receiving medical care at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta.
In addition to Lt. Cook, a Fulton County police officer incurred minor injuries during the shootout, though their identity has not been made public yet.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been tasked with examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting. This inquiry is a routine process in incidents where police officers discharge their weapons and are involved in shootings.