Fulton County Police Fatally Shoot 24-Year-Old Man in Atlanta

News Summary

A fatal police shooting occurred in Southwest Atlanta, claiming the life of 24-year-old Damario Smith. Following reports of suspicious activity, police engaged in a chase, leading to a confrontation where Smith allegedly reached for a handgun, prompting officers to open fire. The community is left in shock as they mourn the loss and question police interactions. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is conducting an independent inquiry into the incident, the second police shooting involving Fulton County officers this month.

Fulton County Police Fatally Shoot 24-Year-Old Man Following Chase and Apparent Armed Threat in Southwest Atlanta

Tragedy struck in Southwest Atlanta on Thursday afternoon when a police shooting claimed the life of a 24-year-old man. The incident unfolded around 1 p.m. on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW, leading to a significant police presence in the area, characterized by numerous evidence markers dotting the scene.

Sequence of Events

Authorities were dispatched to the area following reports of suspicious individuals, a location known for its connection to drug activity. Upon their arrival, a group of people observed loitering reportedly fled, igniting a pursuit by the officers. One man, identified later as Damario Smith, chose to return to his vehicle as police arrived.

Confrontation with Police

Police instructed Smith to turn off his vehicle and raise his hands. Instead, reports indicate that he allegedly reached for a handgun. In response, officers discharged their weapons, striking Smith. He was swiftly transported to Grady Memorial Hospital but sadly succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.

Community Response

fatal shooting. Just prior to the tragic event, Smith had reportedly shared a meal with his stepfather, highlighting the unexpected nature of the incident.

Aftermath and Investigation

As the scene unfolded, chaos ensued, with family members arriving and requiring police restraint for at least two individuals on site. The presence of a weapon in Smith’s possession has only added layers of complexity to the situation. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has been engaged to carry out an independent investigation into the shooting. Following the GBI’s inquiry, the findings will be forwarded to the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office for careful review.

Ongoing Concerns

This incident marks the second police shooting involving Fulton County officers this month, raising pressing concerns within the community regarding police interactions and the underlying issues that contribute to such tragic outcomes.

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Additional Resources

• WSB TV
• Fox 5 Atlanta
• AJC
• Atlanta News First
• 11 Alive
• Wikipedia: Police Brutality in the United States
• Google Search: Police Shooting Atlanta
• Google Scholar: Police Shooting Investigations
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
• Google News: Fulton County Police Shooting