Austell, GA (March 26, 2019) – On Tuesday, March 26, 2019, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was requested by the Cobb County Police Department (CCPD) to investigate an officer involved shooting.

Preliminary information indicates that on Monday, March 25, 2019, at approximately 10:05 p.m., CCPD officers responded to the area of Janet Lane and Davis Drive, Austell, GA in reference to a suspicious vehicle. Officers encountered an individual believed to be Melchizedek Woodward in a reported stolen U-Haul van. 

During the incident, the officer discharged his weapon into the vehicle. The subject exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot. At the time of the shooting, the officer was unaware whether the subject was struck. 

On the morning of March 26, 2019, Woodward was located on Veterans Memorial Hwy, Austell, GA and was taken into custody without incident. Woodward was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital with several gunshot wounds from what is believed to have been from the previous night’s encounter with Cobb County PD. 

No officers were injured in this incident.

The GBI will continue its independent investigation. Once complete, it will be turned over to the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office for review. 

Contact Information:

Natalie Ammons - Public Affairs Deputy Director - 404-270-8332