News Summary
Atlanta faced a violence-filled day with two separate shooting incidents involving Fulton County police. One suspect was killed, and a deputy was injured in a drive-by shooting while assisting a fellow officer. These events underscore concerns about police safety and accountability in the community. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is set to conduct independent reviews of both shootings, reflecting growing anxiety around public safety in Atlanta.
Fulton County Police Involved in Two Separate Shootings in Atlanta, One Suspect Killed and Deputy Injured
In a day marked by violence, _Atlanta_ witnessed two separate shooting incidents involving Fulton County police officers on Thursday. The first shooting unfolded just before 1 p.m. on _Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW_, in an area notorious for drug activity.
Officers, already on patrol, came across a group of individuals loitering, prompting immediate suspicion. When one individual took off running, police initiated a pursuit. The suspect, later identified as _24-year-old Damario Smith_, returned to his vehicle amidst officer commands to shut off the engine and raise his hands. Instead, Smith reached for a handgun, forcing officers to open fire. He was transported to _Grady Hospital_, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The incident has drawn attention and sorrow, particularly from family members and witnesses. As a crowd gathered to express their concerns, police found it necessary to restrain at least two individuals at the scene, emphasizing the heightened emotions surrounding the shooting.
To ensure accountability, the _Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI)_ will conduct an independent examination of this encounter. The case will then be forwarded to the _Fulton County District Attorney’s Office_ for further review once the investigation wraps up.
Deputy Shot in Separate Incident
The investigation into the deputy’s shooting is being led by the _Atlanta Police Department_, who are piecing together the details surrounding the attack, which involved suspects firing from a moving vehicle. This event has heightened concerns regarding the safety of law enforcement in the area, as expressed by Sheriff Patrick Labat.
Remarkably, this marks the second officer-involved shooting for Fulton County on the same day, raising alarms about public safety and police encounters in the community. The GBI’s involvement indicates that a thorough review of both incidents is on the horizon, as they strive to uncover the full circumstances.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Fulton County Police Fatally Shoot 24-Year-Old Man in Atlanta
Fulton County Police Shooting in Adamsville Leaves One Dead
Atlanta Police Investigate Swatting Incident Targeting Local Home
Overnight Gunfire Erupts at Atlanta Waffle House
Tragic Shooting of Toddler in Southeast Atlanta
Tragic Incident in Southeast Atlanta: Two-Year-Old Boy Shot and Killed
Two-Year-Old Boy Dies from Accidental Gunshot Wound
Gas Station Shooting in Clayton County Leaves Employee Dead
Metro Atlanta Murder Suspects Arrested in Long County, Georgia
Lori Vallow Daybell’s Trial: Conspiracy and Family Tragedy
Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Wikipedia: Police Brutality in the U.S.
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Google Search: Fulton County shooting
- WSB TV
- Google Scholar: Law Enforcement Shootings in Atlanta
- Atlanta Journal-Constitution
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- 11Alive
- Google News: Atlanta police shootings
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.
