GBI investigate fatal officer-involved shooting in Decatur

Decatur, Ga.(WDEF) – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is examining circumstances surrounding an officer involved shooting in DeKalb County. 

The Bartow County Drug Task Force asked the bureau to conduct an independent investigation on Friday.

One man was killed during the incident. No officers were injured.  

Preliminary information shows that the Bartow County DTF, along with the U.S. Marshals Service, were in DeKalb County searching for a wanted suspect involved in a shooting of a Bartow County K-9 on Thursday night.

30-year-old suspect Geoffrey Walker, had multiple active felony warrants for his arrest. The individual is from Bremen, Ga.

At about 4:45 p.m., officers found Walker at a hotel in DeKalb County. 

He ran through neighborhoods and into the woods near the sanitation department located off Leroy Scott Drive in Decatur. 

Once found, officers gave commands to Walker to drop his gun, but the suspect refused. Walker fired his weapon and officers returned fire.

The suspect died on scene. 

A medical examiner will determine the cause and manner of Walker’s death. 

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

This is the 79th officer involved shooting the GBI has been requested to investigate in 2023. 

INFORMATION COURTESY OF THE GEORGIA BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION, NELLY MILES (PIO).