May 12, 2019
GBI Investigates Officer Involved Shooting in DeKalb County
On Sunday, May 12, 2019, the GBI was requested by the DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) to investigate an officer involved shooting.
Preliminary information indicates that at approximately 9:17 a.m., Stone Mountain Police Department officers responded to a burglary-in-progress call in the 5100 block of West Mountain Road in Stone Mountain. Residents at the address awoke to a person inside their home. When confronted, the subject, identified as Mark Freeman, 53, left the residence after taking a shotgun.
Freeman was located walking in the area with the weapon. DKPD officers arrived to assist Stone Mountain PD. Officers from both departments made contact with Freeman when he attempted to enter a business located at 6201 East Ponce de Leon Ave. During the encounter, Freeman did not comply with commands to drop the shotgun. A DKPD officer discharged his firearm, striking Freeman. Freeman was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital where he is listed in stable condition.
No officers were injured in this incident.
The GBI will continue its independent investigation. Once complete, it will be provided to the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office for review.