3 Atlanta police officers shot in Capitol View neighborhood; suspect dead

ATLANTA – Three Atlanta police officers were shot and killed Saturday evening in the Capitol View neighborhood of southwest Atlanta.

It happened in the 1400 block of Desoto Avenue SW, where officers reportedly responded to a distress call about an armed man.

The three officers taken to Grady Memorial Hospital were identified as two 31-year-old men and a 28-year-old police officer. Their names have not yet been released.

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said one person was hit in the shoulder, another in the leg and the third was hit by a bullet.

“At this time, one officer is going into surgery. Another officer is being prepared for surgery. We do not believe the third officer will need any medical attention that would require more than that already received in the emergency room,” said Schierbaum.

Atlanta Police Capt. Christian Hunt confirmed the officers were breathing on their own.

“Well, thank God for protecting our officers tonight,” Schierbaum said.

When asked if the shooter would face charges, Schierbaum immediately responded, “The attacker is deceased, ma’am.”

The suspected shooter has not been identified.

Resident Claudia Groeneveld said she had lived in the neighborhood for a year and was stunned to learn what happened.

“I’m not used to this type of thing,” she told FOX 5. “It’s unfortunate, and I hope the officers come out of this okay,” she added.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens released the following statement:

“I am devastated to be in this place again where senseless gun violence has injured 3 of our APD officers. My heart goes out to these officers.
and their families, and we are cooperating fully with this ongoing investigation. Thank you to the surgeons and staff at Grady Hospital for ensuring our officers’ survival.”

It is unclear who fired the first shots.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is expected to investigate the matter, as is customary whenever there is an officer-involved shooting in the state of Georgia.

Atlanta police car crash near Desoto Avenue

As officers responded to the call for “help,” Chief Schierbaum said there was a car accident involving two Atlanta patrol cars.

“Luckily, no officers were injured – no citizens – but we do have a damaged patrol vehicle,” he said.

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