A Fulton County sheriff’s deputy working an off-duty job was injured in a shootout in Atlanta’s West End on Monday.
Gunshots could be heard just after 5 p.m. in the 600 block of Lee Street near Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard SW.
Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat said those gunshots started shortly after two employees of Easy Rental ran towards Lt. Gerald Johnson, asking for help after an armed robbery.
“It’s one of those things where, ultimately, you want your loved ones to come home safe,” said Sheriff Labat.
Moments later, Lt. Johnson encountered the alleged thief, who the sheriff said was armed with an assault-style rifle. The two exchanged gunfire, resulting in injuries to both Lt. Johnson and the robber.
“As we often do, he ran toward danger, and he actually saved people’s lives in our estimation,” the sheriff said.
Lt. Johnson was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment. Sheriff Labat said he is expected to survive.
“Non-life-threatening injuries to his right hand, so he is in fact still recovering. His wife is here with him, who also works in law enforcement,” the sheriff said.
The gunman was fatally shot during the exchange, the sheriff added.
“They exchanged gunfire and to that extent the perpetrator is now deceased,” said Sheriff Labat. “When you’re faced with an assault-style weapon, he did a wonderful job.”
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, agents have been requested to investigate the use of force. A spokesperson for the Atlanta Police Department confirmed it is handling the robbery investigation, but cited the ongoing investigation into the use of force by the GBI as preventing them from releasing more details about the crime.
On Tuesday morning, the GBI indicated that the suspect initially robbed a Krispy Kreme store located behind the Easy Rental store before attempting to rob Easy Rental.
The GBI also said two employees were shot during the incident, but did not given any information about their current conditions.
