Mother Seeks Justice for Son Shot by Atlanta Police Officer

News Summary

Valerie Lans-Anderson is pushing for justice following the shooting death of her son, Devon Anderson, by an off-duty Atlanta police officer. As she commemorates his 39th birthday this Mother’s Day, she continues to advocate for accountability in the case. The officer involved, Melvin Potter, has been placed on non-enforcement status but has not faced any substantial charges. Community anger grows over the lack of accountability, prompting local politicians to support the Lans-Anderson family’s demands for justice.

Atlanta – A grieving mother is seeking justice for her son, Devon Anderson, who was shot and killed by an off-duty Atlanta police officer in August 2024. This Mother’s Day marks a poignant occasion for Valerie Lans-Anderson, as it falls on what would have been her son’s 39th birthday, making it her first Mother’s Day without him.

The tragic incident occurred during an altercation outside a bar located on the 5000 block of Old National Highway in College Park. Melvin Potter, an off-duty officer with the Atlanta Police Department since January 2015, is the officer involved in the shooting. Following the confrontation, Potter was arrested by South Fulton police on charges of obstruction related to the incident. However, he has not faced any further charges and continues to remain employed by the police department, albeit on non-enforcement status as the investigation continues.

Valerie Lans-Anderson has not only expressed profound heartbreak over the loss of her son but has also accused Potter of destroying her family and community. She highlighted the permanence of her grief, emphasizing that she will never receive a final kiss or chance to say goodbye to her son. In her pursuit of justice, she has been attending city council meetings every week since her son’s untimely death, advocating for the termination of Potter and urging the district attorney to file significant charges against him.

The community’s response has been one of anger and frustration, particularly regarding the current status of Officer Potter. Janet Liburd, Devon’s aunt, publicly criticized the decision to not arrest Potter further and described the situation as a “slap in the face” to the family. The sentiment among family members and the community indicates a prevailing concern for accountability and transparency in the investigation.

It is important to note that Melvin Potter comes with a prior record of troubles within the police force. In November 2021, he was placed on 36-month probation after a DUI charge. The incident leading to his probation included an episode in September 2021, where he was reported to be driving approximately 100 mph. Officers at the scene noted the smell of alcohol but Potter refused to submit to a field sobriety test.

During the continued agitation for justice, local politicians are stepping in to show their support for the Anderson family. Atlanta Councilmember Michael J. Bond has publicly acknowledged the family’s plight, stressing the critical need for justice in cases involving police shootings. His support adds a political dimension to the call for action, urging a community-wide consensus for reform and accountability.

As Valerie Lans-Anderson navigates her grief, she continues to advocate vigorously not only for her son but also for the community that has been rocked by this tragedy. Her relentless pursuit of justice emphasizes the intensity of her loss and the desire for clearer answers regarding Officer Potter’s actions and the policies governing police conduct. As the inquiry into the shooting unfolds, there remains a significant need for transparency, accountability, and justice in the face of this harrowing event.

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Additional Resources

• Atlanta News First: Person Possibly Shot Inside Car Overnight
• Wikipedia: Police Brutality
• FOX 5 Atlanta: Shooting Victim Walks to Gas Station
• Google Search: Community Advocacy Police Shootings
• WSB Radio: 33-Year-Old Man Shot in Southwest Atlanta
• Google Scholar: Police Accountability
• WSB TV: Police Investigating Shooting in Southwest Atlanta
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
• FOX 5 Atlanta: Man, Suspect in Deadly Shooting
• Google News: Police Shootings Atlanta