A man suspected of multiple crimes in the Buckhead area was shot by an Atlanta police officer Wednesday afternoon after pointing a gun at the officer, police said.
“The individual was riding a bicycle when the officer noticed him,” Major Darryl Tolleson with Atlanta police said. “We think he’s a suspect in several crimes in the area. We think this guy may have even stolen bicycles.”
The suspect is believed responsible for thefts and burglaries in the area, including an attempted robbery earlier Wednesday, Tolleson said.
Officers tried to confront the suspect, whose name was not released, Tolleson said. But the suspect led officers into a parking deck in the 3300 block of Peachtree Road, near the Westin Buckhead hotel, shortly before 2 p.m., according to police.
The suspect pointed a gun at an officer, who multiple shots at the suspect, police said. It was not immediately known if the suspect fired his weapon.
The suspect was transported by ambulance to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition shortly before 4 p.m., police said. Investigators had not yet identified the man, who was not carrying identification, Tolleson said.
No officers were injured when the shots were fired, according to Sgt. Greg Lyon with Atlanta police.
All northbound lanes of Peachtree Road were blocked during the investigation and drivers were advised to avoid the area. Officers were expected to remain at the scene for several hours.
Arianne Fielder, who works in the area, said she was in her car when she heard gunshots.
“Gunshots are pretty distinctive. I know exactly what they sound like,” Fielder told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I turned my radio off immediately.”
Fielder said her first instinct was to run to her restaurant, Seven Lamps, and make sure everyone was OK.
“It’s really a shame around this area,” Fielder said. “It’s such a great area with a lot of great growth.”
The officer involved, whose name was not released, was placed on routine administrative leave, Tolleson said.
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