Protests Reignite Over Police Using Deadly Force Against Atlanta DUI Suspect

Downtown Atlanta

Atlanta, Ga. - Just as the protests had calmed, disturbing reports were released last night. According to these reports, an African American man was shot and killed by two officers with the Atlanta Police Department.

Officers responded to a local fast-food restaurant off of University Avenue last night after they received a call concerning a man sleeping in his vehicle and therefore blocking the drive-through. This resulted in officers confronting the man and attempting to arrest him. Then there was a struggle between the officers and the man which resulted in the man attempting to flee and the officers fatally shooting him as his back was turned.

The man's name was Rayshard Brooks. He is now being considered the latest example of what is now a long list of cases involving police brutality and racism. Protestors are marching now in demand of a full investigation of the shooting. The Georgia NAACP has demanded the termination of APD Chief Erika Shields.

Around 5:00 PM today, Mayor Bottoms held a press conference. She announced Shields' resignation. Mayor Bottoms also released the following statement while calling for the termination of the officer who ultimately shot the late Brooks.

“While there may be debate over whether this was an appropriate use of deadly force, I firmly believe that there is a clear distinction between what you can do and what you should do. I do not believe this was a justified use of deadly force and have called for the immediate termination of the officer… What has become abundantly clear in the city of Atlanta is that while we have a police force full of men and women who work alongside our communities with honor, respect and dignity, there has been a disconnect with what our expectations are and should be as it relates to interactions with our officers and the communities in which they are entrusted to protect.”

The Atlanta City Council has established a new task force in an effort to review police use of force. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation promised that there will be a very thorough investigation of the homicide.

Practice Note

The reforms that Atlanta faces are serious and could potentially be life-changing if officials listen to the calls of the public. A person facing an arrest for DUI in Atlanta should not fear whether or not he or she will be fatally shot for not complying.

As always, if you or a loved one has been arrested, call an Atlanta DUI Lawyer today.