Gunfire on McAfee Street NW in downtown Atlanta Tuesday night turned out to be coming from an Atlanta police officer's own gun, according to authorities. The officer accidentally shot himself, police said. Officials have not publicly detailed the extent of his injuries, but local media report he is expected to survive. Investigators have not said how the weapon went off, and the officer's name has not been released.
As reported by WSB-TV Channel 2, the incident was first reported Tuesday evening, and the station said reporter Cory James was headed to the scene. Channel 2 noted that details were still scarce and that investigators had not commented on what happened before the shot was fired or how the firearm discharged.
How These Cases Are Handled
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation often steps in to investigate officer-involved shootings at the request of local agencies and then sends its findings to prosecutors for review, according to a Georgia Bureau of Investigation press release. That kind of outside review is routine in metro Atlanta cases, although the GBI has not been named in connection with this particular shooting.
What Remains Unknown
Police have not released the officer's identity or said whether internal or outside investigators have been formally assigned to the case. This story will be updated when officials provide additional information.
