The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced on May 12 that it is investigating an officer involved shooting in Athens, Clarke County, Georgia. One man was killed during the incident, and no officers were injured.
The investigation began after the Athens-Clarke County Police Department requested assistance from the state agency. According to preliminary information, police responded to a 911 call at about 12:43 a.m. regarding reports of gunfire on Hull Road. When officers arrived, they encountered a man matching the description provided by the caller.
Officers gave several verbal commands for the man to put down his gun, but he did not comply. The report states that the man then pointed his weapon at his own head before firing it. At that point, one officer discharged their weapon as well. The man was struck and pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials said that the man’s body will be taken to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy and identification purposes.
The GBI said it will conduct an independent investigation into what happened. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact its Regional Investigative Office in Athens or submit anonymous tips online or through its mobile app. Once completed, investigators will provide their findings to the Northern Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.
