Douglas County Sheriff's Office incident

On Wednesday, May 26, 2021, The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was requested by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office to investigate a use of force incident.

Preliminary information indicates that at approximately 2:25 p.m., Michael Walter Livingston, 30, of Sparta, Georgia, was at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office located at 8470 Earl D. Lee Blvd in Douglasville.  Livingston was at the sheriff’s office to retrieve some property when deputies attempted to arrest him on an outstanding warrant taken by the South Fulton Police Department for aggravated assault.  Livingston ran from the deputies as they approached him. Deputies deployed Tasers during the foot pursuit, but they were not effective.  During the chase, Livingston pulled out a handgun.  Livingston ran into woods located adjacent to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and deputies set up a perimeter. 

After Livingston was located, deputies attempted to negotiate with Livingston but were unsuccessful.  Livingston was in possession of the handgun while they talked with him.  At approximately 5:57 p.m., deputies used impact munitions to incapacitate Livingston.  Immediately after the impact munitions were deployed, Livingston shot himself in his abdomen.  Deputies rendered medical aid and Livingston was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital where he is in serious condition. 

No officers were injured during the incident.

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