DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Authorities are searching for an “armed and dangerous” suspect accused of shooting two DeKalb County sheriff’s deputies Wednesday morning.
The shooting happened at 2198 Wellington Circle in Lithonia around 7:30 a.m. The location is off Covington Highway.
DeKalb County sheriff’s office told Channel 2 Action News that the investigators were shot as they were serving an aggravated assault with intent to murder arrest warrant at the home. Authorities said the suspect fired shots through the door at the deputies.
We have multiple reporters and photographers working to learn more about this developing story — Stay with Channel 2 Action News for updates
DeKalb County Deputy Chief Randy Akies said one deputy was hit in the leg and the other was hit abdomen. Both of the injured investigators were taken to DeKalb Medical Center, where they were conscious and alert. They were later taken to Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment. The deputies were identified as Ja’rad Hunt and Aaron Jackson.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
Authorities are “actively” searching the immediate area for the shooting suspect, identified as Edward Allen Gatling. They said he was last seen wearing a red jacket.
A $20,000 reward is being offered to find Gatling. DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox had a stern warning for Gatling.
“Mr. Gatling, we know you’re out there, we see you. The community sees you. Know you will be brought to custody,” Maddox said.
Lithonia High School, Miller Grove High School, Bethune Middle School, Miller Grove Middle School, Marbut Elementary School, Panola Way Elementary School, Stoneview Elementary School, and Woodridge Elementary School are currently on a level two lockdown. DeKalb deputies are present at each school.
Covington Highway is shut down between Phillips Road and DeKalb Medical Parkway. Drivers can use I-20 as an alternate.
This is the second shooting involving metro Atlanta officer in just 24 hours. A Clayton County police officer was killed and another was injured in a shooting that left two women and the suspect dead.
©2021 Cox Media Group
