An attempted burglary at Adventure Outdoors, a gun store in Smyrna, turned violent. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, police received multiple emergency calls reporting the burglary, followed by alerts about shots fired. Smyrna Police Chief Keith Zgonc stated at a press conference that upon arrival, officers encountered gunfire from the suspect inside the store, resulting in a shootout that left the suspect dead and two officers wounded.
The sequence of events escalated quickly after Smyrna police received a tip from an employee of Adventure Outdoors about an unauthorized presence inside the store after hours. The Atlanta News First article relay an account from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), stating that the officers confronted the man leading him outside, attempting an arrest. However, the man reportedly broke free and opened fire with a rifle. Two officers took hits to the leg, and three Cobb County police officers arriving as backup responded by fatally shooting the suspect.
Both injured Smyrna officers were transported to a hospital where they are expected to make full recoveries. No officers from the Cobb County Police Department sustained injuries in the altercation, though Chief Stuart VanHoozer also voiced his concern, offering thoughts and prayers to those involved.
In aftermath of the shootout, a SWAT team was dispatched to ensure no other suspects were present within Adventure Outdoors. The GBI has since taken charge on the investigation. Adventure Outdoors conveyed gratitude towards the responding officers, with General Manager Eric Wallace stating, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the officers who were injured in the line of duty, as well as with their families and loved ones," he added, "We are profoundly grateful for the sacrifice and commitment shown by every member of your departments in keeping our community safe," as stated by Atlanta News First.
