Man kills self when Smyrna traffic stop leads to gunfire, police say
A man is dead and the GBI is investigating after a traffic stop turned fatal in Smyrna early Friday morning, according to police.
Smyrna officers stopped a suspected stolen truck around 6 a.m. near Concord Road and McLinden Avenue, according to a police statement.
Darrick Desawn Rooks, 46, was driving a “stolen U-Haul” when he was pulled over by officers, according to the GBI. Police gave Rooks multiple commands during the stop, officials said in a news release. That’s when gunfire began.
“A gunshot was fired from the U-Haul and officers returned fire,” the GBI said in the news release. “When officers approached the cab of the U-Haul, the driver, later identified as Rooks, was found to be dead with a gunshot wound.”
Late Friday, Smyrna police said Rooks shot himself.
“After a thorough forensic examination conducted by the Cobb County Medical Examiner’s Office, it has been confirmed that the injuries sustained by the deceased individual were self-inflicted,” police said in a social media post.
“While the GBI will continue its investigation, we felt it was important to release these verified details promptly, as some inaccurate information has been circulating,” Smyrna police said. “Our commitment remains to transparency, accuracy, and compassion as we move forward.”
Hours after the incident, officials at the scene opened the back of the truck, where a grill, laundry machine and various bags were stored.
The site is near a mix of shopping centers with retail stores and restaurants, just east of the South Cobb Drive and Concord Road intersection.
After the GBI completes its investigation, the findings will be released to the Cobb district attorney’s office for review.
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