UPDATE - October 21, 2023:

The man connected to this incident died this morning. He has been identified as Marthely Theodore, age 26, of Smyrna, GA.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

Smyrna, GA (October 20, 2023) – The GBI is investigating an officer involved shooting in Smyrna, Georgia. The Smyrna Police Department asked the GBI to conduct an independent investigation on October 20, 2023. One man was shot and is in critical condition. No officers were injured in this incident.

The preliminary information indicates at about 4:30 p.m., the Cobb County Police communications center began receiving 911 calls of a man pointing a gun at passing cars near Benson Poole Road. The Cobb County Police Department requested the assistance of nearby Smyrna Police Department officers to locate the armed man. Smyrna Police Department officers encountered the armed man at the intersection of Benson Poole Road and Smyrna Powder Springs Road. Officers repeatedly asked the man to drop his firearm and the man advanced towards officers, raising his firearm towards officers. He was subsequently shot by the officers. The man was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The identity of the man is not known at this time.

This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Conyers at (770) 388-5019. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

The GBI will conduct an independent investigation. Once complete, the case file will be given to the Cobb Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.

Contact

Public & Governmental Affairs Director Nelly Miles

[email protected]
Mail to

GA

Related Files

  • Smyrna OIS Scene Photo (IMG, 1.96 MB)
    GBI agents can be seen investigating the scene. A house or apartment can be seen in the background. A police car can be seen parked with blue and red lights on.