Atlanta, Georgia – A police operation in South Fulton turned violent Friday when a routine call escalated into a deadly shootout, leaving two officers injured and the suspect dead.
The confrontation began just before noon near a motel on the south side of Atlanta, when officers from the Fulton County Police Department observed an individual jaywalking. Officers made contact and called for backup as part of standard protocol. Lt. Charles Cook from the South Fulton Police Department responded to the scene.
According to South Fulton Police Chief Keith Meadows, the situation turned dangerous the moment Lt. Cook stepped out of his patrol car. The suspect, without warning, opened fire. Gunshots rang out as officers scrambled for cover and returned fire.
In the hail of bullets, Lt. Cook was struck three times. He was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, where he remains in critical condition. A Fulton County officer, whose identity has not been released, sustained minor injuries and is expected to recover.
While both departments responded with return fire, it has not yet been determined who fired the fatal shot that killed the suspect. Authorities say the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has taken over the case, which is customary in all officer-involved shootings in the state.
Police have not released details about the suspect’s identity or any potential motive for the sudden act of violence. The incident has sent a ripple of concern through the law enforcement community, particularly in the city of South Fulton, where officials and residents alike are anxiously awaiting updates on Lt. Cook’s condition.
Read also: East Point’s RISE Preparatory to shut down after facing ongoing operational challenges
As the investigation unfolds, both departments are expected to review the bodycam footage and statements from witnesses to piece together the exact sequence of events. The GBI has urged the public to remain patient and avoid speculation as they work to determine all the facts.
The incident adds to a growing list of officer-involved shootings under investigation across Georgia this year, underscoring the high stakes and unpredictable nature of police work.
