GBI Investigates Officer Involved Shooting in DeKalb County

Decatur, GA (April 13, 2021) – On Monday, April 12, 2021, the GBI was requested by the DeKalb County Police Department to investigate an officer involved shooting.

Preliminary information indicates that at approximately 4:00 p.m., DeKalb County PD officers responded to a 911 call about a man with a large knife at the Terraces Apartments, 2577 Terrace Trail, Decatur, GA. Upon arrival, officers encountered the man with the knife and attempted to take him into custody. The man, identified as Matthew Williams, 35, made movements with the knife towards officers, and one officer fired at Williams. It is unclear if Williams was struck by gunfire at this time. Additional officers that had arrived on the scene encountered Williams at the entrance of the apartment. Williams was still holding the knife and officers again attempted to take him into custody. During this incident, an officer attempted to tase Williams, which was ineffective, followed by at least one officer firing his weapon at Williams. At this time, officers withdrew from the apartment to await the arrival of DeKalb County SWAT. Upon arrival, DeKalb County SWAT entered the apartment and found Williams deceased. One officer sustained a minor injury during the incident and was treated onsite by EMS.

The GBI will conduct an independent investigation. Upon completion, it will be turned over to the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office for review.