CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — A man and a Georgia State Patrol K-9 are dead after a traffic stop escalated in College Park Friday, the Georgia Bureau Investigation said. The heavy law enforcement presence put West Clayton Elementary school on lockdown.
Clayton County Police Department officers were investigating a homicide involving a person who was found dead the previous day, the GBI said.
A person, later identified as Dexton Bolden, who is 33 from Jonesboro was seen driving the victim's vehicle Friday on Riverdale Road near Interstate 28, troppers said. Officers called Georgia State Patrol troopers and Clayton County deputies to assist with a traffic stop, GBI said.
As troopers were approaching the person, he drove away, with GSP pursuing the vehicle. GBI said troopers were able to stop Bolden using a PIT maneuver.
Troopers along with Clayton County Sheriff's Office deputies tried to speak with the driver but he was uncooperative, according to authorities. K-9 Figo was sent to the vehicle by his GSP handler to make the driver comply with orders and Bolden shot the dog, according to the GBI.
This prompted gunfire between troopers, deputies and the driver. Bolden died at the scene - no law enforcement officers were hurt, the GBI said. K-9 Figo was life-flighted to Blue Pearl Animal Hospital.
Sandy Springs Police shut down Abernathy Road for GSP's helicopter to help get the K-9 to the emergency vet. K-9 Figo ultimately died at the hospital.
Though West Clayton Elementary School was put on lockdown, dismissal was not delayed Friday. The district said the lockdown was in result of a community disturbance and wanted to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, staff and potential visitors.
GBI said the suspect's body will be taken to the Clayton County Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy. Investigators with the agency will continue to look into the incident and turn over its findings to the local district attorney's office for review.