The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is conducting a probe into a fatal shooting incident involving Cobb County police officers and a Guatemalan man, which took place in Marietta. In a statement released by the GBI, the man, identified as Hermelindo Morete-Dista, 27, was shot by officers during an altercation on Monday.
According to the preliminary report, Cobb County Police Department (CCPD) officers were called to a residence on 30 Bradley Avenue around 10:40 p.m. following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, a perimeter was established near the home. Exiting the premises with a firearm, Morete-Dista disregarded officers' commands to relinquish the weapon. As he began to point it toward them, several CCPD officers discharged their firearms, striking Morete-Dista multiple times. The officers involved were unharmed during the altercation.
The incident ended with Morete-Dista's death at the scene, and it was noted that he had an active removal order from the United States. The GBI's investigation is currently underway, and upon completion, the case will be handed over to the Cobb County District Attorney's Office for potential further action or review.
The Cobb County community and surrounding areas are awaiting more information as the GBI continues to piece together the events that led to Morete-Dista's death. The GBI has assured that all details of their investigation will be made public once it is finalized and delivered to the local District Attorney’s Office.
