A man shot during a physical altercation with Atlanta police officers Friday faces multiple charges stemming from the incident.
A police officer shot Desmond Hunter about 7 p.m. on Boulevard, after two officers stopped to question a group of individuals about suspected drug activity, Atlanta police Capt. Paul Guerrucci said.
In the wake of the incident, the department obtained warrants to arrest Hunter on charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, theft by receiving stolen property, felony obstruction and carrying a weapon without a license, according to Sgt. Gregory Lyon.
“During that engagement and investigation on the officer’s part, it was discovered that one of those individuals had a gun,” Guerrucci said. “As the investigation progressed a physical altercation ensued between the officer and the armed subject.”
Saddiuia Wright identified herself as the mother of Hunter, 22. She was at the grocery store when she got a phone call that police had used a Taser on her son before shooting him.
“While he was on the ground, he was shot in the back three times,” an emotional Wright said. “How can he harm somebody on his back, shaking from a Taser?”
Guerrucci said the man was zapped with a Taser before he was shot, but could not confirm how many times he was shot.
“At this point, we’re still investigating how many shots were fired, and who actually shot,” he said. “There are still a lot of things we’re trying to verify based on witness statements and information we’ve received so far.”
Wright said her son was taken to Atlanta Medical Center for treatment. Police said he is in stable condition.
Ashley Johnson, who lives in the area, said she saw a struggle between Hunter and police.
“All I seen was him on the ground after I heard the pop, and it looked like they were hitting on him,” Johnson said.
Guerrucci said both officers will be placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues.
Investigators are still collecting statements from witnesses, and anyone with information about the incident should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477).
— Staff writer David Wickert contributed to this report.
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