ATLANTA — A white former Atlanta police officer involved in the fatal shooting of an unarmed black man last month has been charged with felony murder and aggravated assault, authorities say.
James Burns turned himself in to authorities Saturday and was booked into the Fulton County jail, jail records show.
Burns — who has since been fired — is accused of shooting Deravis Caine Rogers, 22, on June 22 in the city’s Midtown area.
Burns had driven to Monroe Place in northeast Atlanta after another officer who was trying to catch a suspect in a nearby apartment complex had called for help.
When Burns drove onto Monroe Place, Rogers started to drive away.
Burns told investigators he shot at a car that was “trying to run me over and kill me.”
But Friday, the Fulton County District Attorney Office said Rogers made no attempt to run over Burns, and Burns had gotten out and was standing safely at the rear of his own patrol car. Despite this, Burns fired once into the passenger window of Rogers's car as it passed by him, killing him.
The district attorney said Burns had not been given any information to believe Rogers was a threat, nor did Burns have any reason to believe Rogers was the man the other officer had been chasing.
Burns' attorney did not respond to messages asking for comment Friday.
Burns also faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and violation of violation of his oath of office. No bond has been set.
Contributing: The Associated Press
