Local News

Man shot by Alpharetta police was from Tenn.

Investigators are looking into possibility of 'suicide by cop'
By Kent A. Miles
June 1, 2009

The man shot by Alpharetta police officers after he pointed a weapon at them early Monday was from Tennessee, a police spokesman said.

Frank Brown, 65, was alone in a 1988 Chevrolet truck on a dirt path near Douglas Road when officers investigating a complaint of loud music and breaking glass approached him.

As officers approached Brown, he pointed a gun at them, according to police. One or both of the officers shot Brown, killing him.

Alpharetta Police Department spokesman George Gordon said Brown's truck is registered in Ooltewah, Tenn.

The city is in Hamilton County, about two hours from Atlanta.

His parents are believed to be the owners of the property where he was found, Gordon said.

The officers involved in the shooting are on paid administrative leave. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Fulton County District Attorney's office is investigating the incident.

"We're still trying to put the pieces together," Gordon said. "Anyone who pulls a handgun out surrounded by police is not thinking very rationally."

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Kent A. Miles

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