The Georgia Bureau of Investigation will review an officer-involved shooting that happened Friday afternoon after a man suspected of arson led police on a chase from Marietta to Buckhead.
Georgia State Patrol requested the GBI investigation after a trooper shot Thomas Edward Cauthorn IV, 35, in the arm. GBI spokesman Scott Dutton called the request for investigation in these types of cases “standard.”
Cauthorn was treated at Grady Memorial Hospital. His injuries are not considered life-threatening, according to a GBI press release Saturday.
The officer involved in the shooting — Trooper Brian Blankenship — fired his revolver twice and his Taser once after Cauthorn crashed his vehicle into a parking garage attached to Piedmont Hospital on Collier Road, according to the release.
“The troopers instructed Cauthorn to exit his vehicle. Cauthorn did not comply … and appeared to reach into the console area of the vehicle,” the press release stated. “Cauthorn reportedly exited the vehicle with his hands concealed inside his coat pockets. Cauthorn quickly removed one hand from his jacket and pointed in the direction (of an officer).”
Blankenship then fired his revolver at Cauthorn, who fled on foot, according to the release. Blankenship caught up to Cauthorn and a scuffle ensued, during which Blankenship fired a second shot, the release said
“After another brief foot chase, Cauthorn was captured and taken into custody,” the release said.
Cauthorn was not armed, according to the press release. It is unclear which shot hit him.
The chase started after a National Park Service Ranger reported seeing Cauthorn attempt to start a fire at a propane tank exchange area of a Cobb County business, according to the GBI. Cauthorn allegedly fled in his Chevrolet Suburban when officers from the Cobb County Police Department arrived. GSP took over the pursuit as Cauthorn crossed into Fulton County, according to the press release.
The investigation is ongoing, but Cauthorn has been charged with arson, aggravated assault on a police officer, felony eluding and numerous other traffic-related charges. Results of the investigation will be turned over to the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office.
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