GBI Investigates Officer Involved Shooting in Atlanta

Atlanta, Georgia (September 22, 2020) – On Monday, September 21, 2020, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was requested by the Atlanta Police Department to conduct an officer involved shooting investigation. 

Preliminary information indicates that at approximately 7:25 p.m., a 911 call was placed about a domestic disturbance near 510 Cassanova Street SE, Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia.  When officers arrived, they observed Dearian Bell, 28, of Atlanta, and his wife inside a vehicle.  At some point, Bell retrieved a firearm from the vehicle and exited the vehicle.  For approximately 12 minutes, Bell held the firearm and walked around the area ignoring verbal commands to put the gun down.  At one point, Bell advanced toward an APD officer.  At that time, the APD officer discharged her firearm, striking Bell.  Officers rendered aid to Bell at the scene.  Bell was transported to a local area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. 

No officers were injured during the incident. 

The GBI will continue to conduct an independent investigation. Once complete, the investigation will be provided to the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office for review.