Fulton County, GA (April 24, 2025) — An officer-involved shooting in southwest Atlanta has prompted an official investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), following a fatal encounter involving the Fulton County Police Department (FCPD). The incident, which occurred near the 3500 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, resulted in the death of 24-year-old Damario Smith of Atlanta.

Incident Overview

According to preliminary reports, the FCPD responded to a call reporting suspicious activity in the area on the afternoon of April 24. Upon arriving at the scene, officers encountered several individuals, who immediately fled on foot. Among them was Damario Smith, who ran across the street and attempted to reach his parked vehicle.

Officers pursued Smith on foot and reportedly issued multiple verbal commands for him to stop. However, Smith did not comply. As officers closed in, Smith reached his vehicle and entered it. According to police accounts, Smith then brandished a handgun. In response, officers discharged their weapons, striking Smith.

After the shooting, law enforcement secured the scene and located a firearm in Smith’s possession. Smith was provided medical attention at the scene and subsequently transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

No officers were injured during the incident.

Ongoing Investigation

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation, acting at the request of the FCPD, has launched an independent probe into the shooting. The agency will conduct a thorough investigation, including a review of all body camera footage, witness statements, forensic evidence, and officer accounts.

As is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings, once the GBI concludes its investigation, the findings will be turned over to the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office for legal review and potential action.

Community Response and Transparency

Incidents involving law enforcement and the use of deadly force continue to draw significant public scrutiny and community concern, especially in metropolitan areas like Atlanta. Advocacy groups and members of the local community have already begun calling for transparency and accountability in the handling of the investigation.

The FCPD has stated that it will cooperate fully with the GBI and that the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation. The department emphasized its commitment to due process and justice for all parties involved.

Broader Context

This shooting adds to a growing list of officer-involved incidents in Georgia in recent years, sparking ongoing debates about policing practices, the use of force, and systemic issues within law enforcement. The GBI is routinely called upon to investigate such cases to ensure an impartial examination of the facts, separate from the agency directly involved.

While details surrounding the events leading up to the shooting remain under investigation, the death of Damario Smith has already drawn attention across the Atlanta community. As family members await answers, the public continues to watch closely as the case unfolds.

Next Steps

The GBI has not provided a timeline for the completion of its investigation, but updates will be released as they become available. The Fulton County District Attorney’s Office will ultimately determine whether the officers’ actions were legally justified based on the evidence presented.

Anyone with information relevant to the incident is encouraged to contact the GBI or the Fulton County Police Department.

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