Buckhead, October 12, 2025

News Summary

A tragic incident unfolded in Buckhead when an off-duty Atlanta police officer shot and killed Linton Blackwell, a 44-year-old music artist, outside a local bar. The confrontation escalated after the officer approached Blackwell, believing he was armed. Multiple witnesses reported hearing numerous gunshots as the officer discharged his weapon, resulting in Blackwell’s death despite medical assistance. The GBI is investigating the shooting, marking the 60th officer-involved case this year.

Atlanta

In a tragic incident late Saturday night, an off-duty Atlanta police officer shot and killed a 44-year-old man named Linton Blackwell outside a Buckhead bar. The confrontation occurred shortly after 11:30 p.m. in the back parking lot of the Buckhead Butcher Shop, located at 3198 Cains Hill Place NW.

The officer, who was working security at the nearby Five Paces Inn dive bar, was alerted to a disruptive patron who had been ejected from the establishment. Upon approaching Blackwell, the officer believed he was armed, which prompted him to act.

Witnesses in the area reported hearing multiple gunshots, with one individual stating it sounded as if the entire clip had been emptied. Prior to the shooting, Blackwell had reportedly engaged in a heated argument outside the bar.

As the officer initiated contact with Blackwell, the latter began walking towards a parking lot and entered a vehicle, where he allegedly placed an item in the small of his back. The officer then issued commands concerning a potential firearm before discharging his weapon, striking Blackwell, who died at the scene despite attempts to provide medical assistance from multiple officers present.

A handgun was later recovered during the investigation. However, details regarding the ownership of the firearm remain undisclosed. Blackwell was not only known as a talented music artist under the stage name B Green but also a father of twins and a local business owner, residing close to the location of the incident.

The event marks the 60th officer-involved shooting that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has been called to probe in 2025. Following the completion of the GBI investigation, the case will be submitted for review to the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, which will determine whether any charges against the officer are warranted.

The identity of the officer involved has not yet been released to the public. In the aftermath of the shooting, the area surrounding the incident was cordoned off, and crime scene tape was utilized to secure the location while investigators gathered evidence.

Summary of Key Facts

• Incident: Off-duty Atlanta police officer shoots and kills Linton Blackwell
• Date: Late Saturday night, around 11:30 p.m.
• Location: Buckhead Butcher Shop, 3198 Cains Hill Place NW
• Victim: Linton Blackwell, 44, a well-known music artist (B Green) and father of twins
• Officer’s Role: Working security at Five Paces Inn dive bar, nearby
• Shooting Circumstances: Encountered Blackwell after a disruption, believed he was armed
• Witness Accounts: Multiple gunshots heard; unclear ownership of weapon
• Ongoing Investigation: GBI investigation initiated; case to be reviewed by the DA’s office
• Number of officer-involved shootings in 2025: 60
• Crime Scene: Area secured and closed off for investigation

FAQ

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Additional Resources

• Atlanta News First
• Wikipedia: Shooting
• Fox 5 Atlanta
• Google Search: off-duty police officer shooting Atlanta
• 11Alive
• Google Scholar: law enforcement shooting investigations
• CBS46
• Encyclopedia Britannica: police violence
• AJC
• Google News: Atlanta police shooting

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER

The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.