Marietta, February 18, 2026
A fatal officer-involved shooting occurred in Marietta, resulting in the death of a 27-year-old man armed with a handgun. Police responded to reports of gunfire, and the suspect failed to comply with commands to drop his weapon, leading to the confrontation. An investigation is underway by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, marking a significant event in local law enforcement history.
Marietta
In a swift and ultimately fatal confrontation, a 27-year-old man, Hermelindo Morete-Dista, identified as a Guatemalan national, was killed by police officers in Cobb County, Georgia, following reports of gunshots late Monday night. The incident, which occurred on February 16, 2026, escalated when Morete-Dista emerged from a residence armed with a handgun, subsequently refusing verbal commands to drop the weapon and reportedly pointing it towards officers. Investigations into the precise sequence of events are now underway by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). It has been confirmed that Morete-Dista had an active removal order from the United States at the time of his death.
Details of the Confrontation
The events unfolded on Bradley Avenue in Marietta, not far from Windy Hill Road, shortly before 10:30 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026. Officers with the Cobb County Police Department (CCPD) were initially canvassing the area after having heard multiple gunshots in the neighborhood. A subsequent 911 call from a nearby resident further alerted authorities to an armed individual in the vicinity.
Upon their arrival and as they established a perimeter around a home located at 30 Bradley Avenue, officers observed Hermelindo Morete-Dista exit the residence with a firearm in his hand. According to preliminary information released by the GBI, officers issued multiple verbal commands instructing Morete-Dista to drop his weapon. He reportedly did not comply with these commands and proceeded to point the firearm toward the officers. In response, several CCPD officers discharged their duty weapons, striking Morete-Dista multiple times. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and no officers sustained injuries during the confrontation.
Official Response and Investigation
At the request of the Cobb County Police Department, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was called to the scene to conduct an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting. This standard procedure ensures an objective review of incidents where law enforcement officers use lethal force. GBI agents are meticulously examining the evidence to establish a comprehensive understanding of what transpired. Once the GBI’s investigation is concluded, the case file will be forwarded to the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office for their review.
This incident marks the twelfth officer-involved shooting in Georgia this year, and the sixth that has resulted in a fatality. Each such occurrence carries a weight of consequence, demanding a careful and impartial accounting of the facts for all involved and for the community at large.
Background Context: The Removal Order
A significant detail in this unfolding narrative is the confirmation that Hermelindo Morete-Dista had an active removal order from the United States. Such orders are issued following immigration proceedings that determine an individual is subject to deportation. The presence of an active removal order adds a layer of existing legal complexity to the circumstances surrounding the fatal encounter. While the specific details of Morete-Dista’s removal order, such as its issuance date or the legal basis, have not been fully disclosed in public statements, its existence underscores the intricate intersections of immigration status and local law enforcement responses. The path of each human life, touched by policy and circumstance, often holds complexities that surface in moments of crisis, inviting a quiet reflection on the broader societal arrangements that shape individual destinies.
The investigation remains active as authorities piece together all elements of this somber incident, seeking clarity in the wake of a life lost under challenging circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened in Cobb County on February 16, 2026?
- Hermelindo Morete-Dista, 27, was killed in an officer-involved shooting in Cobb County, Georgia, after emerging from a residence with a handgun, failing to comply with police commands, and reportedly pointing the weapon at officers.
- When did the incident occur?
- The confrontation occurred on February 16, 2026, shortly before 10:30 p.m..
- Where did the shooting take place?
- The incident took place on Bradley Avenue in Marietta, Cobb County, specifically around 30 Bradley Avenue.
- What was Hermelindo Morete-Dista’s immigration status?
- Hermelindo Morete-Dista had an active removal order from the United States.
- Who is investigating the shooting?
- The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is conducting an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting at the request of the Cobb County Police Department.
- Were any officers injured?
- No officers were injured during the incident.
Key Details of the Incident
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Individual Involved | Hermelindo Morete-Dista, 27, of Guatemala |
| Date of Incident | February 16, 2026 |
| Time of Incident | Shortly before 10:30 p.m. |
| Location | 30 Bradley Avenue, Marietta, Cobb County, Georgia |
| Nature of Event | Officer-involved shooting following reports of gunshots |
| Individual’s Action | Exited home with a firearm, reportedly pointed it at officers after refusing commands |
| Immigration Status | Had an active removal order from the United States |
| Investigating Authority | Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) |
| Officer Injuries | None |
| Statewide Context (Current Year) | 12th officer-involved shooting, 6th fatal incident in Georgia |
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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