ATLANTA — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said the Atlanta Police Department requested them to step in Tuesday after an officer shot a man, leaving him critically hurt in the hospital.
Atlanta Police said they were called to the area near Gibson Street and Memorial Drive Tuesday at 12:41 p.m. According to GBI, Atlanta dispatch received a report of a sexual assault happening at an apartment.
The caller reported a dispute involving a U-Haul, Deputy Chief Charles Hampton Jr. said during a news briefing. Police said the caller was a mover and clarified they were extra help hired for the day -- not an employee of the contracted moving company.
When the officer arrived at the area they found the U-Haul at the intersection of Woodward Drive and Gibson Street, which is the center of the apartment complex, according to GBI. Atlanta investigators said the man police were searching for was sitting in the passenger side.
"The officer approached the passenger side, had a conversation with the male, had asked the male to get out," Hampton explained. The man was not cooperating with the officer's instructions, the deputy chief said.
When the man got out of the U-Haul, the officer saw he was armed and the two got into a physical fight, police said.
"The officer disengaged himself and shot at least one round," Hampton said. The deputy chief added the individual was a convicted felon who should have not access to a gun. The 32-year-old was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital where he's listed as critical, according to GBI.
"(The) officer, unfortunately, had to rely on their training," Hampton said. "The officer is going home safe."
Police added no one else was hurt.
As police were investigating, 11Alive SkyTracker saw APD focused on a U-Haul with a bloody passenger side door near Gibson Street and Memorial Drive around the Cabbagetown and Reynoldstown neighborhoods. Officers also had an area in front of a parking garage roped off with crime scene tape.
APD said they are investigating a related incident along Caroline Street as well but did not offer any other details during their news briefing.
Police said they are currently questioning the caller and the driver of the U-Haul.
This is a developing story. Check back often for new information.
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