February 17, 2016
GBI Investigating Officer Involved Shooting in Riverdale
Riverdale, Georgia – On Thursday, February 11, 2016, at approximately 11:30 a.m., Clayton County SWAT and Clayton County Police Department (CCPD) Drug Task Force attempted to execute a no knock search warrant at Villages on the River apartments, 6711 Church Street, Apt. 10-E, Riverdale, Clayton County, Georgia. When officers made entry into the apartment, Jerand Ross, 24 years of age, ran out of the back door of the apartment. Riverdale Police Department Major Greg Barney gave chase and was shot twice by Ross, once in the abdomen and once in the arm. CCPD Lt. Francisco Romero pursued Ross who was running behind the apartment buildings. After a short distance, Ross pointed a handgun at Lt. Romero who fired at Ross, striking him in the head.
Ross was transported to Atlanta Medical Center where he is being treated for his injuries. Major Barney was transported to Southern Regional Medical Center in critical condition and later succumbed to his injuries. An autopsy for Major Barney is being performed by the GBI Medical Examiner's Office in Decatur today.
A witness saw Ross with two handguns while fleeing from the officers. The witness saw Ross throw one of the handguns into the woods behind an apartment building. The handgun was later located by an ATF K-9.
A warrant was obtained for Ross for Murder.
Contact: Scott Dutton | [email protected] | 404-270-8330