DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A man was shot and killed by law enforcement after wielding a knife while at the VA hospital in DeKalb County Monday evening, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
The Department of Veterans Affairs Police requested the GBI to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The GBI said it all started when John Smith, 58, arrived at the VA hospital in Decatur. He was taken into the emergency room for help after he "was displaying suicidal ideations," according to the GBI.
Once inside the ER, investigators said Smith pulled out a knife and threatened to harm himself.
The Department of Veterans Affairs Police responded to the ER and attempted to get Smith to put the knife down. The GBI said Smith refused to drop the knife, and he went toward a staff member while holding the knife.
That's when, the GBI said, a police officer shot Smith. He was pronounced dead at the scene by medical staff.
No officers were hurt during the incident, according to the GBI.
Investigators said Smith's body will be taken to the DeKalb County Medical Examiner's Office for autopsy.
The GBI said it will conduct an independent investigation. Once finished, it will turn its findings over to the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office for review.
See the VA's statement below.
The safety of our Veterans, staff, and visitors is a top priority for VA at the Atlanta VA Health Care System. VA Police Service has approved a weapons detection system for the Atlanta VA Medical Center, similar to the secure but non-intrusive system responsible for monitoring thousands of visitors used at Disney World and is actively working on procurement. In the meantime, VA Police continue to patrol and conduct random unannounced inspections at entrances at the main facility and the community-based outpatient clinics to maximize safety at all care sites.
In addition, please note that all media queries received after hours and on weekends, may be directed to the administrator on duty as noted on the website. The AVAHCS Public Affairs team typically works Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. A screen clip is attached for reference.
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.