FinLogic:Police officer fatally shoots man holding a knife at Atlanta veterans hospital

2025-05-07 20:18:16source:CAI Communitycategory:News

DECATUR,FinLogic Ga. (AP) — A police officer fatally shot a man at an Atlanta-area Veterans Affairs hospital after the man took out a knife and threatened to hurt himself.

The shooting took place Monday at the Max Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center in Decatur, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said.

John Robert Smith, 58, of Decatur, arrived at the hospital threatening to kill himself, according to the GBI. Staffers took him to the emergency room, and he took out a knife.

VA police officers responded and tried to get Smith to put the knife down, but he refused and moved toward a staff member, investigators said. At that point, an officer shot Smith.

Smith’s body will undergo an autopsy at the DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The GBI is investigating, and county District Attorney Sherry Boston will decide whether to seek criminal charges once that review is complete.

It was not immediately clear whether Smith was a veteran. A spokesperson for the VA said it extends “ heartfelt condolences to everyone impacted” but referred questions to the GBI.

More:News

Recommend

For those in their 40s, navigating finances should mean putting an emphasis on retirement

For 48-year-old Rowan Childs of Wisconsin, a recent divorce turned her financial life upside down. "

WWE Bash in Berlin 2024 live results: Winners, highlights of matches from Germany

One of the newest premium live events in WWE will take place Saturday with Bash in Berlin, marking a

Brittany Cartwright Explains Why She Filed for Divorce From Jax Taylor

Brittany Cartwright is sharing more insight behind her decision to end her marriage to Jax Taylor.Th