The two Fayette County deputies involved in the May 30 officer-involved shooting have been fired. The encounter resulted in non-life-threatening injuries to the juvenile driver who accelerated toward officers who were on-foot after a chase into Clayton County. The firings were based on the outcome of a separate internal investigation conducted by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) on May 30 was asked by Sheriff Barry Babb to investigate the incident. That independent investigation is ongoing, with GBI saying the results of the investigation will be turned over to the Clayton County District Attorney.
Babb on June 22 said the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office conducted an internal investigation of the deputies involved in the May 30 officer-involved shooting in Clayton County.
As a result of the separate internal investigation an employment decision was made to terminate the two deputies, Babb said.
The names of the deputies were not released.
Babb said the Clayton County District Attorney was notified of the decision.
Any further inquiries should made to the Clayton County District Attorney, Babb added.
GBI Deputy Director of Public Affairs Natalie Ammons in an earlier statement said the GBI Atlanta Regional Office on May 30 was requested by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office to investigate an officer involved shooting.
Ammons said, “Preliminary information indicates that at approximately 7:38 a.m., Fayetteville Police Department officers attempted to stop a vehicle for reckless driving. The vehicle did not stop and fled from officers. Fayetteville Police Department officers requested assistance from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office.
“A short time later, Fayette County Sheriff’s Office deputies located the vehicle in the area of Grady Drive, Jonesboro, in Clayton County, driving through numerous yards. At some point, the vehicle came to a stop and officers attempted to take the juvenile driver of the vehicle into custody, however, the vehicle accelerated toward the officers. Deputies discharged their firearms, striking the subject.”
Ammons said the subject was transported to a local hospital for treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. A deputy sustained minor injuries from the incident.
Once complete by GBI, the investigation will be turned over to the Clayton County District Attorney’s Office for review.
I agree with the previous posters. It sounds like the deputies were being assaulted with a deadly weapon. Why not wait for the GBI to conclude their investigation? I’ve lived in Fayette County for 40 years and I have always been grateful for our deputies, police officers, and a low crime rate. I hope and pray it remains that way.
😱😱😱😉
I cannot agree with the firing of the deputies prior to the conclusion of the investigation. Suspension, with pay, yes I can easily see that. But, in times past, a vehicle aimed at police has been considered a deadly weapon. Were the shootings justified? Won’t know that until the GBI does their work.
David Epps
I fully agree. Firing the officers appears to be immature; deliberation of neglect/misconduct appears to predetermine an investigation. What’s up with that?
Sorry. Please read “premature” rather than “immature.”
Typo….”cops had every right to fire”
Sounds to me like he was using a deadly weapon (the car),….cooshad every right to fire. Good lord. If i was a cop nowdays called about a crime,i would show up, and say sorry my hands are tied.