COBB COUNTY, Ga. — An 83-year-old man was shot by an officer in Cobb County on Tuesday night after allegedly walking around a neighborhood firing his gun and then firing it again as officers engaged with him.
According to an update from the Cobb County Police Department early Wednesday morning, the officers responded to a home on Columns Drive in Marietta after "multiple 911 calls reporting an armed individual walking down Columns Drive discharging a firearm."
Cobb Police said officers "engaged with the individual near the front door of a residence" and "gave repeated commands to drop the weapon."
At that point, the man allegedly disregarded the commands and "discharged his weapon." It was unclear if the man fired at or in the direction of the officers on scene.
"In response, an officer returned fire, striking the suspect," Cobb Police said.
CCPD said the man was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said he was critically hurt.
The GBI said it will be conducting an independent investigation, as is protocol with shootings involving law enforcement. Once finished, the GBI said it will turn its findings over to the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office for review.
11Alive crews saw a large police presence overnight, with several crime scene investigators still near the area on Wednesday morning.
This is a developing story. Check back often for new information.
Also download the 11Alive News app and sign up to receive alerts for the latest on this story and other breaking news in Atlanta and north Georgia.