GBI Investigates Officer Involved Shooting in Snellville

UPDATE - April 26, 2024:

The Gwinnett County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed that Mr. Johnson died from a fatal, self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

Snellville, GA (March 23, 2024) - At the request of the Snellville Police Department, GBI agents are investigating an officer involved shooting in Snellville, GA. One man was shot and killed. No officers were injured in this incident. 

Preliminary information indicates on March 22, 2024, at about 4:00 a.m., Snellville Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop on a person driving a Hyundai Tuscon without head lights on West Main Street, Snellville, GA. During the stop, the driver, identified as Rashawn Johnson, age 36, of Tucker, GA, had his phone in his hand, rolled the window down slightly, and repeatedly stated that he wanted to call his mom. The officer was able to get Johnson’s ID and returned to his patrol car to call for additional units.  

When the officer returned to the car, Johnson again refused to roll down the window and comply with the officer’s commands to get out of the car. The officer informed Johnson that he would be arrested for obstruction if he did not get out of the vehicle. Johnson did not get out, and the officer informed him he was under arrest. The officer opened the front driver door of the Hyundai. The officer saw a weapon in Johnson’s hand and gave commands for Johnson to drop the gun. Johnson fired his weapon and officers returned fire, hitting Johnson and killing him.   

The Gwinnett County Medical Examiner’s Office will perform an autopsy on Johnson. 

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