FULTON COUNTY, Ga. -- Terence Avery Green, a veteran Fulton County police detective, died after being shot in the head by a 32-year-old suspect with a history of run-ins with police.
According to Fulton County Assistant Police Chief Gary Stiles, the shooting took place on Parks Trail in the Cedar Grove subdivision near Fairburn.
Green, 48, and another officer responded to a shots fired call at 12:43 a.m. Wednesday. They were told the suspect was possibly intoxicated. Neighbors said the man was going from house to house, banging on doors and firing a long barrel gun.
The suspect, Amanuel Menghesha, then began shooting at the officers, striking Green in the head.
Stiles described the situation as an ambush in the dark and foggy weather conditions, saying the officers "were trying to do their job, they were trying to protect this neighborhood from someone who was shooting. And they had no other option but to do their job. And the way it appears to me, they were ambushed without warning."
In a later press conference, Police Chief Cassandra Jones, again mentioned the foggy conditions, saying the limited visibility was a factor.
Green's ambulance was given a police escort to Grady Memorial Hospital. He was pronounced dead shortly after 4:30 a.m. Stiles said Green was a veteran officer with nearly 22 years of service.
"This is not the first officer we have lost, and the men and women who work for this department are going to be heartbroken," Stiles said.
Fulton County Police Chief Cassandra Jones echoed Stiles' statement, saying Green was well-liked among his colleagues.
"You can never prepare for something like this," Jones added. "We're not handling it very well."
Fulton County Chairman John H. Eaves released the following statement about Green's death.
"This morning I received news that no leader ever wants to hear about the people who serve our citizens. While responding to a call in unincorporated South Fulton this morning, two of our officers were shot by an assailant. Sadly, one of our officers, Detective II Terence Avery Green, died of the injuries he suffered. Detective Green dedicated 22 years of service to our department and the citizens of Fulton County. This is a stark and sad reminder of the hard and dangerous work that our men and women in law enforcement embark upon every time they respond to a call. This is a reminder of the risks our officers face every day on the job. Oftentimes there is little indication of which calls could leave officers facing eminent danger. At this time, I ask that you pray for Detective Green's family as well for the men and women with whom he served."
The officers returned fire and hit the suspect, who is being treated while in custody at Grady Memorial Hospital. His condition is unknown.
Stiles said police do not believe there are additional suspects in this case. Dozens of police officers continue to investigate in the neighborhood where the shooting occurred.
Alfred Printup, who lives in the subdivision, said he was at work when the shots rang out. He was on the phone with his wife and could hear the gunshots.
"I just want to thank (Green) who gave his life to keep my family safe," Printup said.
The weapon used to shoot and kill Green has been recovered. Stiles described it as a long gun, but did not immediately known the caliber.
According to the Fulton County Police Department's website, Green was its first officer killed in the line of duty since April 2003, and the fourth officer killed since the department was formed on July 1, 1975.
Green is survived by his parents, Mr. Johnny Green and Mrs. Bartha Green; an older brother William; and four sons: Marquez, Isiah, Emmanuel, and Samuel.
