CHAMBLEE, Ga. — A 22-year-old man wielding a machete was shot by an officer in Chamblee Thursday afternoon, according to the police department.
Chamblee Police said shortly before 2:45 p.m., they received a shoplifting call at the Walmart along Chamblee Tucker Road.
When an officer arrived on the scene, the police department said a suspect was running away, and he headed under the overpass on Chamblee Tucker Road. The location is under a MARTA railway.
The officer attempted to detain the suspect and gave him several verbal commands, but he didn't comply, according to the police department.
"At the overpass, the offender pulled a machete from his waistband, raised it over his head, and aggressively attempted to attack our officer, who was forced to discharge a firearm to protect herself," Chamblee Police Chief Michael Dieppa said.
The man was shot several times and officials with DeKalb County Fire Rescue aided him on scene.
In an update, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said the man remained combative while officials were aiding him. Two officers and two firefighters were hurt while they were trying to give him medical treatment, according to the GBI.
He was taken to Grady Hospital, where police said he's critically hurt and undergoing more treatment.
Meanwhile, the police department said the officer involved in the incident was placed on administrative leave.
The GBI said it will conduct an independent investigation. Once finished, the GBI will turn its findings over to the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office for review.
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.