ATLANTA — An officer was released from the hospital overnight, while two others are still recovering after being shot in the line of duty on Saturday evening, Atlanta Police said.
This comes after three police officers were shot in the line of duty, and one suspect was killed Saturday evening in Atlanta's Capitol View neighborhood, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said.
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Atlanta Police Department officers were sent to Genessee Avenue and Fairbanks St. SW in reference to a man pointing a gun at about 5:15 p.m.
Officers encountered the man with the handgun near the intersection of Desoto Avenue and Genessee Avenue. The GBI said that when officers approached the man, he allegedly pulled out a handgun. One of the officers then tackled the man and wrestled him to the ground.
While on the ground, what sounded like a gunshot could be heard. The man was subsequently shot by APD officers, the GBI stated.
Two 31-year-old officers and a 28-year-old officer were also shot in the incident. Two of the officers are undergoing surgery -- one for a wound to the shoulder and another for a wound to the leg. The third officer received a graze wound, the chief said.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene, and GBI agents recovered the handgun as well.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens talked about the violent start to a holiday weekend in Atlanta.
"Once again, you see that guns are causing harm in our communities," Dickens said.
When the person perceived as a threat was located on Desoto Avenue, Schierbaum said officers took action.
"They did encounter an individual that's armed with a handgun and a knife. During that encounter, there was a struggle."
The struggle escalated to gunfire.
Jose Escobon lives on the street where this happened. He said with this being Mother's Day weekend, he's just relieved no bystanders were hurt too.
"Within 1,000 feet, you have children playing on the playground," Escobon said.
Escobon added that he's used to crime in the area.
"The neighborhood is real shifty, but it's not nothing new," Escobon said.
Scheirbaum said other APD officers at the scene rushed the three injured officers to the hospital. He said the 31-year-old officers had been on the force for four years. The 28-year-old had only been serving for a few months.
Dickens said city officials were on their way to a fundraiser for APD before they had to rush to Grady as well.
"We've talked to the officers," Dickens said. "They are in good spirits. As you (can) see, a lot of Atlanta Police Department officers are here supporting their brothers."
Dozens of officers parked and stood outside of the hospital in support. Scheirbaum said he's grateful that the outcome wasn't worse.
"Thank God for protecting our officers today," Schierbaum said.
He left this message for his officers and the City of Atlanta.
"Your coworkers are going to be fine," Schierbaum said. "I appreciate what you do for the city. And I want to reassure the citizens of the city. We're still protecting you."
The officers are expected to survive, according to Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.
"I am devastated that we are at this place again where senseless gun violence has injured 3 of our APD officers," Dickens said. "My thoughts are with these officers and their families, and we are cooperating fully with this ongoing investigation. Thanks to the surgeons and staff at Grady Hospital for ensuring that our officers will survive."
The GBI is investigating. No details on the names of the officers or the suspect at this time.
This is a developing story. Check back often for new information.
Also download the 11Alive News mobile app and sign up to receive alerts for the latest on this story and other breaking news in Atlanta and north Georgia.