A police officer was killed by an armed suspect late Tuesday in suburban Atlanta while responding to a domestic violence phone call, authorities said. Three others, including the alleged shooter, died in similar incidents.
Clayton County Police Department received multiple calls at 8:40 p.m. about possible gunfire, domestic violence and injuries at a residence near the 3600 block of Jervis Court in Rex, Chief Kevin Roberts said during a news conference early Wednesday.
The officers at the scene were picked up by a 12-year-old boy who was shot in the face and led to the house, which is about 30 kilometers south of Atlanta.
When they arrived at the residence, “they were immediately hired by a male suspect who was armed with a pistol and who was shooting at them,” said Roberts.
The officers took cover and the suspect fled to the back of the apartment, where tactical units met him. According to police, the suspect opened fire and beat two officers.
Clayton County Field Training Officer Henry Laxson was killed and Officer Alex Chandler was shot in the hand, the department said in a press release.
The suspect was killed in an exchange of fire with the police, Roberts said.
Police also discovered the bodies of two women the suspect killed prior to dealing with officers, Roberts said.
The 12-year-old is in critical condition in the hospital.
The other victims of the shootings were not identified as their relatives were not notified.
“These men and women do an honorable job every day and it is unfortunate that we have to make these reports over and over again,” said Roberts. “My heart aches for any police officer and family who go through these kinds of things. These things just shouldn’t happen.”
A neighbor told Atlanta-based NBC subsidiary WXIA that the shootings shocked area residents.
“This is our neighborhood, this is like a community,” said the neighbor. “It’s never been like this. This is the first time this has happened.”
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said they were assisting Clayton County police at the scene late Tuesday.
“Clayton County Police are investigating the incident with triple shots. The GBI will continue to conduct an independent investigation into the officer involved in the shooting and once the case is closed the case will be referred to the Clayton County District Attorney for review.” said the Georgia Bureau of The Investigation said in a statement Wednesday.
