Crime & Safety

UPDATED: APD Shooting in Inman Park

Suspected car burglar shot dead in fight with police officer.

An Atlanta police officer has been placed on administrative leave following a late-night deadly shooting in Inman Park.

The shooting victim, whom police did not identify, was suspected of breaking into cars behind 429 North Highland Ave. off Washita Avenue.

The responding officer, told homicide investigators that he saw the now-dead man in the parking lot and the two became involved in some altercation leading to the shooting.

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The victim, a man believed to be in his early- to mid-30s, died at the scene in the incident, which occurred around 10:50 p.m., police said.

"The officer received abrasions as a result of the altercation. Atlanta Police Homicide Detectives responded to the scene and are investigating the incident," Officer John Chafee, an Atlanta Police Department spokesman, said in a statement, noting the investigation is ongoing.

Find out what's happening in East Atlantawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"At this time, evidence indicates that the suspect did enter a vehicle at the location. Detectives are working to confirm the identity of the suspect."

A gun and screwdriver were recovered at the scene and Chafee told East Atlanta Patch investigators believe they belonged to the victim.

As 2 p.m. Thursday, the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office had not yet identified the victim.


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