The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is currently looking into a shooting incident involving police officers in Sugar Hill, Gwinnett County, which resulted in the death of a 17-year-old male. According to a press release from the GBI, the incident took place on August 23, and the Gwinnett County Police Department (GCPD) has asked the bureau for an independent investigation.
The deceased has been identified as Brayden Hemphill of Sugar Hill. It was during the late afternoon that GCPD responded to a dire 911 call placed by Hemphill himself, in which he stated his intent to harm himself and others, and his possession of a gun and a knife. Upon their arrival near Whitehead Road at W. Broad Street, the officers encountered Hemphill holding a knife.
The situation escalated when the officers, attempting to de-escalate, told Hemphill, "stop" and "nobody wants to hurt you." However, Hemphill advanced towards the officers with the knife. Despite being commanded to "get on the ground", Hemphill ignored these calls and continued his advance. The officers, facing what was perceived as a lethal threat, then discharged their weapons, causing Hemphill to fall to the ground. When he got up, still armed, the officers fired again, this time fatally wounding him, as reported by GBI.
No officers were injured during the exchange. Hemphill was declared dead at the scene. The GBI's press release confirms that they will continue to investigate the shooting. Upon completion of the investigation, the findings will be handed over to the Gwinnett County District Attorney's Office.
