An argument involving patrons at a Mexican restaurant in Clayton County led to an exchange of gunfire between a man and Morrow police officers Wednesday night, authorities said.
It was about 9:40 p.m. when an argument broke out on the patio of Las Trojas Cantina on Mt. Zion Road, according to the GBI, which has been asked to investigate the incident.
During the fight, a man identified as Keon Devon Christian of McDonough revealed he had a firearm in his waistband, the GBI said. Police were called, and they encountered the 26-year-old in the parking lot.
At some point, Christian fired his weapon at police, striking an officer in his vest, according to the GBI. Officer Myron Bell, who has been with the department for less than a year, was hit near the bottom of his vest that sits over his lower abdomen, police confirmed to Channel 2 Action News.
Christian then ran behind the restaurant and through the commercial plaza before encountering another officer, who opened fire, the GBI said. A gun was located near where Christian had been, according to officials.
Both officers and Christian were taken to a hospital, authorities said. It was not clear what injuries the second officer sustained, but he has already been released, the GBI said. Christian and Bell were described as stable.
“He’s bruised. He’s sore,” police Maj. Greg Tatroe said about Bell to Channel 2.
Christian faces charges of aggravated assault on a peace officer and criminal attempt to commit murder.
The GBI will conduct an independent investigation into the use of force. Once that is complete, the file will be given to the Clayton County District Attorney’s Office for review.
It is the 43rd officer-involved shooting the GBI has been asked to investigate this year. It comes just 24 hours after Fulton County deputies shot a man accused of crashing a stolen vehicle.
In that case, Travan Yarborough, 18, is accused of opening fire on deputies, who returned fire. Yarborough was struck and is expected to survive.
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