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On 07/26/2021, a deputy with the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Kaleb M. Brown in the Tunnel Hill area. Brown refused to stop, and police escalated a chase that continued along Highway 41 at very high speed. During the pursuit, Brown’s vehicle struck multiple cars and a tractor-trailer near Shugart Road. The crash killed Brown and his passenger, Christy Lawing, instantly. Reports indicated the initial reason for the attempted stop was a traffic violation, though exact details were not released.
TOTAL FATALITIES/INJURIES: 2 fatalities

https://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/news/two-killed-in-whitfield-county-crash-after-police-chase/article_3e1dbe6a-ef07-11eb-a261-bf80c249d79a.html
https://www.newschannel9.com/news/local/two-dead-after-police-chase-ends-in-crash-in-whitfield-county
https://www.wdef.com/two-dead-in-whitfield-county-after-police-chase-ends-in-crash/

On 07/26/2021, deputies with the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a vehicle driven by 26-year-old Kaleb M. Brown in the Tunnel Hill area. Brown refused to stop, and police escalated a chase along U.S. Highway 41 at very high speed. During the pursuit, the vehicle struck multiple cars and a tractor-trailer near Shugart Road. The impact killed passenger Christy Leigh Lawing, 27, of Chatsworth, Georgia, and driver Kaleb Brown instantly. The initial reason for the attempted stop was reportedly a traffic violation, though full details were not released.
TOTAL FATALITIES/INJURIES: 2 fatalities

https://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/news/two-killed-in-whitfield-county-crash-after-police-chase/article_3e1dbe6a-ef07-11eb-a261-bf80c249d79a.html
https://www.newschannel9.com/news/local/two-dead-after-police-chase-ends-in-crash-in-whitfield-county
https://www.wdef.com/two-dead-in-whitfield-county-after-police-chase-ends-in-crash/
https://www.dalton-funeral-home.com/m/obituaries/christy-lawing/MemorialMedias

On 07/25/2021, Gabriel “Sam” Parker died from gunshot injuries during an incident in Atlanta, Georgia. Police responded to gunfire at a large block party on James Jackson Parkway NW in northwest Atlanta. Officers reported that multiple people fired shots, and at least one officer discharged a firearm. Parker was found with gunshot wounds and died at the scene. Investigators located multiple firearms at the scene. Police requested the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to conduct an independent investigation. Family members and community members stated that Parker was trying to break up a fight and did not have a gun at the time of the shooting, though authorities did not confirm who fired the fatal shot.

https://gbi.georgia.gov/press-releases/2021-07-25/gbi-investigates-officer-involved-shooting-atlanta
https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/one-dead-one-injured-shootout-northwest-atlanta-gathering/L6PEDVVX2VG2LPWGKNGDDECRRA/
https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/new-video-sheds-light-on-deadly-officer-involved-shooting-in-bankhead

https://www.cbs46.com/news/community-holds-vigil-for-man-killed-at-block-party/article_6dc997b8-edbb-11eb-8ec0-d7201c65ebad.html

https://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta-news/family-awaits-answers-after-2021-police-shooting/4W2V2BJDVBEC3N625R24MM5PC4/
 

On 07/19/2021, Jason Lee Fralick was shot and killed by deputies with the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office in Cairo, Georgia. Deputies responded to a call at a residence where the homeowner asked that Fralick be removed from the property. Deputies attempted to escort Fralick away. During the encounter, deputies used a Taser and pepper spray. Fralick entered a patrol vehicle and attempted to drive it. Deputies opened fire, striking Fralick multiple times. He died at the scene. The shooting was investigated by authorities.

https://www.wctv.tv/2021/07/22/family-man-involved-grady-co-officer-involved-shooting-speaks-out/

On 07/17/2021, Maurice Sentel Mincey was shot and killed by an officer with the Savannah Police Department during a traffic stop in Savannah, Georgia. Police stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in which Mincey was a passenger. During the stop, police reported that Mincey was holding a firearm as he exited the vehicle. An officer opened fire, striking Mincey. He died at the scene. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation reviewed the shooting, and the district attorney later declined to prosecute the officer involved.

https://www.savannahnow.com/story/news/2021/07/23/maurice-mency-killed-savannah-police-gbi-investigation-family-transparency-rjn/8058978002/

On 07/01/2021, Douglas County sheriff’s deputies responded to a reported burglary in progress at Redline Performance Group on Fairburn Road in Douglasville around 9:40 a.m. Deputies encountered Jesus Rodriguez, who matched the description provided by the caller. Police stated that Rodriguez did not stop when deputies approached and that deputies chased him. Deputies later confronted Rodriguez, and police reported that he was holding a knife during the encounter. Deputies opened fire and shot Rodriguez, killing him at the scene. Rodriguez was 23 years old. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was called in to review the shooting, and the investigation was reported as pending at the time of coverage.

https://www.cbs46.com/news/suspect-shot-and-killed-by-douglas-county-sheriffs-deputy-gbi-investigating/article_aa5183ec-daa3-11eb-b8d9-f7d61a297b7d.html

On 06/30/2021, Atlanta police responded to reports of a shooting at an apartment building on Peachtree Street NE. Officers encountered Joseph Lee Humbles at the scene. According to reporting, Humbles fired shots toward officers during the encounter. Two Atlanta police officers engaged Humbles and opened fire, shooting him. Humbles was pronounced dead at the scene. He was 29 years old. Authorities reported that the officers involved were not charged, and the investigation into the shooting was pending at the time of coverage.

https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/suspect-killed-apartment-shooting-with-atlanta-police-idd-officer-recovering-hospital/3I4D7BDB7ZGTHJURRIYT3ZJTSI/

On 06/24/2021, Forsyth County sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call from a woman requesting help at a residence on Dahlonega Highway. Upon arrival, deputies reported hearing gunfire. Deputies located Yonatan Aguilera at the scene. According to reporting, Aguilera pointed a firearm and fired in the direction of a woman. A deputy engaged Aguilera and opened fire, shooting him multiple times. Aguilera was killed at the scene. He was 40 years old. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation opened an investigation into the deputy shooting, which was reported as pending at the time of coverage.

https://patch.com/georgia/cumming/cumming-man-shot-killed-forsyth-deputy-after-incident-gbi

On 06/24/2021, a deputy attempted a traffic stop on Steven Jesse Dylan Thompson in Auburn after observing a stop sign violation. During the stop, police identified an active arrest warrant for Thompson. Thompson did not stop, and police chased his vehicle. The pursuit ended when Thompson crashed. Police reported that Thompson remained inside the vehicle while holding a firearm and made statements about harming himself. Thompson then entered a nearby home, where police reported he watched officers from inside through a window. Police stated that Thompson later fired shots toward officers. Officers engaged Thompson and opened fire, killing him at the scene. Thompson was 29 years old. Reporting indicated concerns about Thompson’s mental health during the incident. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation opened an investigation into the police shooting, which was reported as pending.

https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/gbi-investigating-police-shooting-barrow-county/85-5f2601bc-2e2e-4aad-ad98-c5fb24109167

On 06/24/2021, Walton County sheriff’s deputies went to a residence on Blackberry Cove Drive in Monroe to serve a felony arrest warrant for Ted Frank Tippy. Deputies encountered Tippy inside the home while attempting to execute the warrant. Police reported that Tippy confronted deputies while holding a handgun. Deputies stated that Tippy fired the handgun into the ceiling during the encounter. Police reported that Tippy then put the gun down but later picked it up again and moved toward deputies. Deputies opened fire and shot Tippy, killing him at the scene. Tippy was 52 years old. Reporting indicated concerns related to mental health during the incident. The investigation into the deputy shooting was reported as pending.

https://www.ajc.com/news/man-shot-killed-by-walton-county-deputies-attempting-to-serve-warrant/F4C33RARJZAKPEXNKZQVT4PDSY/

On 06/21/2021, Newton County sheriff’s deputies went to a residence along Georgia Highway 162 to arrest Alexander Matthew Collins in connection with multiple outstanding warrants. Deputies attempted to take Collins into custody at the home, but he did not come outside. Police then called a SWAT team to assist. After an extended police presence, Collins exited the residence. Police reported that Collins produced a firearm and fired shots during the encounter. Deputies engaged Collins and opened fire, killing him at the scene. Collins was 27 years old. The investigation into the deputy shooting was reported as pending at the time of coverage.

https://www.11alive.com/article/news/crime/police-shooting-newton-county-sheriffs-office-highway-162/85-df780ab6-0de2-433b-b02a-1359d60e5c5a

On 06/18/2021, Douglasville police responded around 4:06 a.m. to a call at the Crestmark Apartments on Crestmark Boulevard in Lithia Springs. Officers encountered Carlos Jackson in the breezeway of an apartment building. Police stated that Jackson was holding a rifle during the encounter. An officer opened fire and shot Jackson. Jackson then fell from the second floor of the building and moved away from the apartment complex toward nearby wooded property. Several hours later, Jackson was located deceased in the woods behind the complex. He was 43 years old. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation assumed control of the case to examine the police shooting. Reporting indicated that body-worn camera footage exists and that Jackson’s family later viewed the footage during a meeting with police.

https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/gbi-investigating-deadly-officer-involved-shooting-at-douglasville-apartment-complex
https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/douglas-county/family-meets-with-douglasville-police-see-bodycam-video-officer-shooting-that-loved-one/JYQR2EMPBNFYDMAWO6I5BXLG3E/

On 06/17/2021, Holly Springs police initiated a traffic stop on Ansy Dolce on Harmony Lake Drive near Hickory Road. During the stop, police reported that Dolce drove forward while an officer was positioned at the vehicle, dragging the officer along the roadway. Police stated that Officer Joe Burson opened fire during the encounter, striking and killing Dolce at the scene. Dolce was 29 years old. Reporting did not indicate that Dolce was armed with a firearm. Officer Burson later died from injuries sustained during the incident. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation opened an inquiry into the police shooting, which was reported as pending at the time of coverage.

https://atlanta.cbslocal.com/2021/06/18/updated-holly-springs-police-officer-dead-in-traffic-stop-2/

On June 16, 2021, as a high-speed pursuit by the Georgia State Patrol passed through downtown Savannah, a vehicle fleeing from troopers struck 56-year-old Stephen Milton while he was crossing Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard at 38th Street. Milton was killed in what his family contends was the result of aggressive pursuit tactics through a pedestrian area.

https://www.wtoc.com/2021/08/02/family-pedestrian-killed-during-police-chase-downtown-savannah-question-troopers-actions/

On 06/13/2021, Cobb County police responded to a reported domestic disturbance at a residence on North Shores Road NW in Acworth. During the initial response, police stated that an officer was shot. Police then pursued Luis Rey Ruiz on foot. Ruiz was not immediately located. Several hours later, police deployed a SWAT team to search the surrounding area. Officers located Ruiz outside a nearby home. Police opened fire and killed Ruiz at the scene. He was 20 years old. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation opened an inquiry into the police shooting. No officers were charged in connection with the death, and the investigation was reported as pending at the time of initial coverage.

https://www.11alive.com/article/news/crime/man-indicted-in-two-felony-cases-this-year-before-shooting-cobb-officer/85-132da41d-3540-4cb0-ab6f-41a48f3f1878

On 06/09/2021, Georgia State Patrol troopers attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle connected to a shooting reported the previous day. The driver, identified as Terrell Gas, did not stop. Troopers escalated a pursuit that ended on the I-85 northbound exit ramp to Riverdale Road in College Park. During the encounter, police stated that shots were fired. Troopers opened fire and shot Gas. He died from his injuries at the scene. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was assigned to investigate the shooting. No troopers were charged.

https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/gbi-called-to-scene-of-i-285-police-shooting-by-georgia-state-patrol/85-7b129adf-abd1-453b-8440-f3fddcc82e5f

On 06/08/2021, 26-year-old Deonte Rashad Calhoun was shot and killed by law enforcement following a vehicle pursuit that began in Crisp County and ended in Columbus, Georgia. Authorities said deputies attempted to stop Calhoun during a traffic stop, and he fled in a vehicle. After the chase entered Muscogee County, the vehicle crashed near the Macon Road exit off Interstate 185 South. When Calhoun exited and attempted to flee on foot, members of the Georgia State Patrol and U.S. Marshals Service opened fire, killing him. Investigators said Calhoun was wanted on multiple warrants. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is conducting an independent investigation into the shooting.

https://www.ledger-enquirer.com/news/local/crime/article251988108.html
https://valdostatoday.com/news-2/region/2021/06/wanted-ga-man-involved-in-officer-shooting-during-foot-pursuit/
https://www.walb.com/2021/06/08/gbi-investigating-officer-involved-shooting-columbus/

On June 8, 2021, a vehicle pursuit involving the Troup County Sheriff’s Office began and continued until it ended near the I-185 south ramp on Macon Road in Columbus, Georgia. Officers from the Columbus Police Department, Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office, and Georgia State Patrol joined the pursuit.
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The chase concluded when Kevin Christopher Caldwell, a 33-year-old male, was shot and killed by police. Authorities have withheld most details regarding the circumstances leading to the shooting.

https://gbi.georgia.gov/press-releases/2021-06-09/gbi-investigates-officer-involved-shooting-columbus
https://www.wsav.com/crime-safety/gbi-multi-county-chase-ends-in-fatal-shooting-by-trooper/
https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/gbi-trooper-kills-suspect-in-multi-county-chase-shootout

On June 8, 2021, Gary Anthony Creek, 39, was wanted on multiple warrants, including charges of first-degree murder in connection with the death of Brandy Price. U.S. deputy marshals located Creek at an apartment complex on Adair Lane in Sandy Springs, Georgia. During a standoff, Creek allegedly produced a firearm. After a brief exchange, he was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/gary-creek-triple-c-dead-barricade/
https://www.aol.com/news/accused-gang-leader-dies-suicide-181504480.html
https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/indicted-gang-leader-gary-creek-killed-himself-during-standoff-in-atlanta-ajc

On 06/05/2021, Brookhaven police responded to a reported assault involving injuries at a home on Commons Circle, identified Jermaine Maree, 42, as the person accused, and obtained warrants. Officers located him at a home on Colt Drive, where he remained inside for hours while SWAT and negotiators tried to get him to come out. When police entered, they found him dead from a self inflicted gunshot wound, and the GBI was asked to investigate.

https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/swat-teams-working-get-assault-suspect-out-brookhaven-home-police-say/CJIKIJFTDFFXJJ7UA5CECO4VIE/
https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/assualt-suspect-barricades-himself-inside-home-brookhaven-police-swat-responds
https://www.ajc.com/news/swat-standoff-underway-at-brookhaven-home/JJ3I3UT6UVBDBDSQ2JZGFJ3JV4/

On 06/05/2021, police responded to multiple reports of hit-and-run collisions involving a suspected impaired driver leaving a bar. Officers later stopped Stephen Neil Weigand and attempted to place him in handcuffs. During the encounter, Weigand pulled away from officers, returned to his vehicle, and drove off. Police chased the vehicle through multiple jurisdictions before stopping it in Griffin. After the vehicle was cornered, police stated that Weigand exited and raised a handgun in the direction of officers. Two officers opened fire and shot Weigand. He died from his injuries. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was assigned to investigate the shooting. No officers were charged.

https://www.ajc.com/news/gbi-dui-suspect-killed-after-multicounty-chase-pointing-gun-at-officers/UEM5ETPIZREQPFGMSEMCVHE6GA/

On 06/03/2021, deputies responded to a domestic dispute at a home on Buchanan Highway in Temple and encountered Thomas Brian Buchanan, 41. As deputies and a state trooper approached, Buchanan came outside and fired at law enforcement, then fired additional rounds before retreating inside. Deputies returned fire, SWAT responded, and after hours with Buchanan still inside, he was found dead from a self inflicted gunshot wound, with officials reporting he was not struck by law enforcement gunfire.

https://www.paulding.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10554/Domestic-Dispute---SWAT-Standoff-at-10116-Buchanan-Hwy-PR
https://dps.georgia.gov/press-releases/2021-06-04/gsp-assists-domestic-dispute-shots-fired-paulding-county
https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/paulding-county/man-dies-during-swat-standoff-after-shooting-gun-wife-children-officers-deputies-say/PH6UMMMINRFZVEFL3YAHLSQXNI/
https://www.ajc.com/news/paulding-man-found-dead-after-swat-standoff-exchange-of-gunfire/HBFRXLIMG5GXVKIO327HX5CJL4/
https://patch.com/georgia/dallas-hiram/paulding-swat-standoff-leads-self-inflicted-death-police

On 06/01/2021, Ray City police responded to a residence on Pauline Avenue to conduct a wellness check. When officers arrived, they encountered Donald Myers. During the encounter, police opened fire and shot Myers. Emergency medical personnel transported him to South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta, where he later died from his injuries. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation assumed control of the case at the request of Ray City police. The investigation was later submitted to the Berrien County District Attorney’s Office for review. No officers were charged.

https://www.walb.com/2021/06/02/gbi-investigates-fatal-berrien-co-officer-involved-shooting/

On 05/23/2021, officers responded to a domestic disturbance report at a residence on Thurston Avenue in Thomaston where John Bussey was encountered holding a firearm. Officers shot and killed him during the encounter. Police opened fire and Bussey died at the scene. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation conducted the independent review of the shooting following the initial call response.

https://gbi.georgia.gov/press-releases/2021-05-23/gbi-investigates-officer-involved-shooting-thomaston
https://www.13wmaz.com/article/news/local/gbi-investigates-officer-involved-shooting-in-thomaston/93-9e3b7a06-02b0-4ef6-9e2e-d35a8fbb8db
https://www.ajc.com/news/crime/man-shot-by-police-in-thomaston/

On 05/23/2021, Athens-Clarke County police officers responded to reports of a man with a gun at a park near Trail Creek Street. While officers were en route, police reported that the man took a vehicle at gunpoint. Officers later located the vehicle and made contact with Juan Joseph Daniele Castellano. Police stated that Castellano exited the vehicle holding a firearm and made verbal demands. Officers ordered him to put the gun down. Police then fired, shooting and killing Castellano at the scene. No officers were charged, and no final prosecutorial outcome beyond the initial review was reported.

https://www.ajc.com/news/carjacking-suspect-killed-by-police-in-athens-park-cops-say/DARBLNXPTJD4TA6H3KVGD7YIDE/
https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/clarke-county/man-killed-by-police-after-carjacking-in-athens-park-police-say/
https://www.onlineathens.com/story/news/2021/05/24/man-killed-athens-police-after-carjacking-park/

On 05/22/2021, Adel police officers responded to reports of a stolen vehicle on Tony Street. Officers located the vehicle and saw Steve Newsome seated in the passenger seat. According to police, Newsome exited the vehicle and gunfire occurred, during which an officer was struck. Police reported that Newsome was shot multiple times and ran a short distance before officers caught up with him. Newsome was pronounced dead at the scene. No criminal charges against officers were announced in public reporting, and no final prosecutorial outcome was reported.

https://valdostatoday.com/news-2/local/2021/05/gbi-investigating-adel-officer-involved-shooting/
https://www.walb.com/2021/05/23/gbi-investigates-officer-involved-shooting-cook-county/
https://www.wctv.tv/2021/05/23/gbi-investigating-officer-involved-shooting-cook-county/

On 05/21/2021, Albany police officers responded to reports of an aggravated assault in the area of West Mercer Avenue. While investigating, officers encountered Kortnee Lashon Warren, who police said was armed. Authorities later stated Warren was not involved in the reported aggravated assault. According to police, shots were fired during the encounter and officers opened fire, shooting and killing Warren at the scene. No officers were charged, and no final prosecutorial outcome beyond the initial review has been publicly reported.

https://www.walb.com/2021/05/21/suspect-shot-when-apd-returns-fire/
https://www.wfxl.com/2021/05/21/man-dead-after-officer-involved-shooting-albany/
https://www.albanyherald.com/news/man-killed-in-officer-involved-shooting-in-albany/article_7c8f2a9e-ba7e-11eb-9a1e-6f6d9a2a0b8e.html

On 05/18/2021, law enforcement units responded to a 911 call in Chamblee reporting a kidnapping. Recognizing the vehicle from the call, officers pursued the car into downtown Decatur, Georgia, where the vehicle crashed at West Howard Ave and N. McDonough St. The driver, identified as 21-year-old Tyrone Penny, exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. During the pursuit and after officers attempted to incapacitate him, multiple officers fired their weapons and Penny was struck and later pronounced dead. The kidnapping victim was reported safe, and no officers were injured.

https://www.wjcl.com/article/gbi-police-in-georgia-responding-to-kidnapping-report-kill-man/36458238
https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/shooting-in-decatur/85-41d286a7-383c-4600-ab1f-40a3f545e966
https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/deadly-police-shooting-decatur

On 05/09/2021, a fatal police pursuit in Stockbridge, Georgia ended when a fleeing car crashed into the back of a tractor-trailer on Interstate 75 near Eagles Landing Parkway. A male passenger in the fleeing vehicle was killed at the scene. The pursuit began when officers attempted to stop the vehicle for a suspected traffic violation. The driver survived and was charged with vehicular homicide and other offenses.
TOTAL FATALITIES/INJURIES: 2 fatalities

https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/henry-county-officer-pursuit-fatal-crash-stockbridge/85-f8b39c7a-0b61-4a67-8612-7f6e6caa4d90
https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/henry-county/henry-county-officer-passenger-dead-after-crash-during-police-pursuit/3B2O5TJ2HBFKDEZKE72XYO6A4M/
https://www.ajc.com/news/henry-county-officer-killed-in-pursuit-on-i-75/HRBBR2TZY5D2FLEP6X6Y2X6A5E/

On 05/04/2021, officers responded to reports of an armed disturbance at a residence on Arbor Creek Drive in Warner Robins. Timothy Lemont Price was inside the home when officers arrived. During the encounter police opened fire and killed Price. Public reporting provided limited narrative detail regarding the precise sequence of actions preceding the shooting and indicated the Georgia Bureau of Investigation reviewed the incident.

https://gbi.georgia.gov/press-releases/2021-05-05/gbi-investigates-officer-involved-shooting-warner-robins
https://www.13wmaz.com/article/news/local/gbi-investigates-shooting-in-warner-robins/93-d3a9d8f5-7f6c-4b1e-9f59-5a4f7f4a92e5

On 05/04/2021, Camden County Sheriff’s Office deputies served a drug-related search warrant at a residence near US-17 and Kinlaw Road in Woodbine. During the entry into the home, law enforcement and occupants fired shots. Latoya Denis James was struck by gunfire and died at the scene. A second person at the residence was also shot and survived. Authorities stated there was an exchange of gunfire when deputies made entry. Family members later disputed aspects of the shooting, and partial body camera footage was released by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

https://www.news4jax.com/news/georgia/2021/05/07/gbi-releases-bodycam-in-deadly-shooting-as-deputies-served-warrant/
https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/crime/jury-deliberating-in-varshan-brown-case-latoya-james-death/77-c3bdcac3-8743-4fb7-8164-8fbd29b5510e
https://thecurrentga.org/2023/09/14/woodbine-man-gets-life-in-prison-after-controversial-deputy-shooting-killed-cousin/

On 04/25/2021, Gwinnett County police sought Aaron Woods, 22, in connection with the fatal shooting of Kendall Reid outside a convenience store at 3330 Peachtree Corners Circle earlier that day. Authorities identified Woods as the suspected shooter following an altercation and began searching for him. During subsequent law enforcement contact connected to the investigation, Woods died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Reporting centers on police pursuit and containment activity linked to the homicide investigation immediately prior to his death.

https://patch.com/georgia/dacula/fight-leads-shooting-death-gwinnett-man-charged-murder
https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/gwinnett-police-investigating-homicide-in-peachtree-corners

On 04/25/2021, deputies responding to a homicide in Monticello found a woman shot multiple times, with witnesses identifying 38-year-old James David Mathis as responsible. Law enforcement initiated a search that expanded across county lines. Mathis later encountered deputies during the pursuit and fired toward them before fatally shooting himself. The multi-agency response followed the homicide investigation and pursuit activity, ending with Mathis’s death during the confrontation.

https://www.41nbc.com/gbi-investigating-murder-suicide-jasper-putnam-counties/
https://www.13wmaz.com/article/news/local/putnam-county-standoff-ends-when-murder-suspect-reportedly-shoots-himself-shooting-jasper-county/93-15a4d3e8-6653-47cf-a653-8ee41011736a

On April 12, 2021, officers from the Georgia State Patrol attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a 2015 Nissan Sentra for speeding at 111 mph on Interstate 20 in Bremen, Georgia. The driver, Aaron JuJuan Shelton, fled, and the officers escalated a high-speed pursuit through Carroll County. During the chase, the passenger, Pier Alexander Shelton, 28, leaned out of the vehicle and fired an AK-47-style rifle at pursuing officers, striking and disabling a patrol car. The pursuit continued through Carrollton and into Villa Rica, where the vehicle crashed near Villa Rica Elementary School. Both occupants fled on foot. As officers searched the area, Pier Shelton fired upon them, injuring multiple officers. Officers returned fire, fatally shooting Pier Shelton.

• https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/3-officers-shot-during-georgia-chase-1-suspect-dead-1-arrested-n1263839
• https://apnews.com/article/georgia-police-constitutions-bremen-shootings-dd5e411e1fff222be6fe78a567e702e3
• https://www.cbsnews.com/news/georgia-officers-shot-police-car-chase-carroll-county/
• https://gbi.georgia.gov/press-releases/2021-04-13/gbi-investigates-officer-involved-shooting-carroll-county
• https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/carroll-county-man-convicted-after-wild-april-2021-chase-that-injured-3-officers

On 04/12/2021, DeKalb County police shot and killed 35 year old Matthew Zadok Williams during a prolonged standoff at a condominium complex on Terrace Trail in Decatur. Police responded around 4 p.m. after receiving calls reporting a man holding a knife in a residential area. Officers located Williams standing outside the residence while holding the knife.
During the standoff, officers approached Williams and issued commands. Police stated that Williams moved toward officers while holding the knife. Officers opened fire during the encounter. Williams was shot multiple times and died at the scene.
The DeKalb County District Attorney, Sherry Boston, reviewed the case and ruled the use of deadly force justified, and no criminal charges were filed against the officers involved. Williams’ family later filed a civil lawsuit against the DeKalb County Police Department, alleging wrongful death and excessive force. The civil case proceeded separately from the district attorney’s decision.

https://www.ajc.com/news/breaking-1-dead-in-overnight-police-shooting-in-dekalb-county/75VYARPGTFB3JEMTNSA4HMZTZI/
https://www.wabe.org/dekalb-da-explains-why-no-criminal-charges-were-filed-in-the-police-shooting-death-of-mathew-zadok-williams/
http://thechampionnewspaper.com/news/local/da-says-use-of-deadly-force-was-justified-in-decatur-condominium-shooting/
https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/zadok-williams-family-suing-dekalb-police-department/85-7ce97a81-3fbb-42bf-a849-60ea87f8778e
https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/matthew-zadok-williams-police-shooting-dekalb-county-lawsuit

On April 2, 2021, deputies from the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a vehicle traveling approximately 70 mph in a 45 mph zone. The driver, Jamaal Willis-Powell of Covington, refused to comply and the pursuit covered about 1.7 miles before the vehicle crossed into Fulton County and struck a tree near Fayetteville Road and Blossom Street. Willis-Powell was killed instantly. His passenger, 28-year-old Jasmine Simone Hayes of Palmetto, also died in the crash. Deputies released body-camera footage as part of an investigation into the high-speed chase.

https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/police-chase-in-coweta-county-ends-in-double-fatal-crash
https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/coweta-county-deputies-release-body-camera-video-of-deadly-high-speed-chase

On April 2, 2021, deputies with the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a vehicle traveling around 70 miles per hour in a 45 mile-per-hour zone. The driver, 30-year-old Jamaal Willis-Powell of Covington, refused to stop, and deputies escalated a pursuit lasting roughly 1.7 miles. The vehicle crossed into Fulton County and crashed into a tree near Fayetteville Road and Blossom Street. Passenger Jasmine Simone Hayes, 28, of Palmetto, died at the scene alongside Willis-Powell. The Coweta County Sheriff’s Office released body-camera footage from the pursuit as the investigation continues.

https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/police-chase-in-coweta-county-ends-in-double-fatal-crash
https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/coweta-county-deputies-release-body-camera-video-of-deadly-high-speed-chase

On 03/31/2021, DeKalb County police officers identified a vehicle believed to be connected to a recent shooting. Police attempted to stop the vehicle, and the driver continued driving before crashing a short distance away. Officers pursued Willie Roy Allen on foot. During the encounter, officers used a Taser and then opened fire. Allen was shot and killed at the scene. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation took over the investigation into the police use of force.

https://www.ajc.com/news/breaking-gbi-on-scene-of-officer-involved-shooting-in-dekalb-county/EUCK3R2IZVGXXPGSBG66WW6FRE/

On 03/30/2021, Douglas County sheriff’s deputies responded to a reported robbery in progress at Mountain Motorsports in Lithia Springs. During the response, deputies encountered Shelby Jean Berkheimer inside the business. Under circumstances described by authorities as an armed confrontation, deputies opened fire and Berkheimer was shot and killed at the scene. One deputy was reported injured during the encounter. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation assumed control of the investigation.

https://www.ajc.com/news/breaking-1-dead-in-douglas-county-officer-involved-shooting-deputy-injured/45D7MNNMERBBBHOIPERI65CGGA/
https://gbi.georgia.gov/press-releases/2021-03-31/gbi-investigates-officer-involved-shooting-douglas-county

In the early morning of March 20, 2021, Georgia State Patrol pursued a stolen silver Ford Fusion driven by Zachary Lumpkin in Whitfield County. The vehicle was traveling over 120 mph on I-75. A trooper performed a PIT maneuver near mile marker 338, causing the car to veer into the median, flip, and crash into a tree. Lumpkin and passenger Shadow Ridge Stanley were both killed. The use of the PIT maneuver drew scrutiny following the fatal outcome.

TOTAL FATALITIES/INJURIES: 2 fatalities

https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2021/mar/20/police-pursuit-tactic-under-scrutiny-after-more-deaths
https://newschannel9.com/news/local/whitfield-county-car-crash-on-thursday-leaves-two-dead-questions-still-left-unanswered
https://foxchattanooga.com/news/local/gdot-part-of-i75-closed-after-crash-in-whitfield-county