GBI investigating officer-involved shooting at Peachtree Mall Friday night
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- GBI investigating officer-involved shooting at Peachtree Mall on December 22, 2023; suspect Dwayne Neely, 19, shot and injured; no officers hurt.
- Columbus police responded to vehicle break-ins; armed suspect fired at officer who returned fire; suspect hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
UPDATE: The GBI is investigating an officer involved shooting in Columbus, Muscogee County, Georgia. The Columbus Police Department asked the GBI to conduct an independent investigation on December 22, 2023. One man, identified as Dwayne Neely, age 19, of Columbus, GA was shot and injured. No officers were injured in this incident.
The preliminary information indicates that on Friday, December 22, 2023, at about 6:10 p.m., the Columbus Police Department was dispatched to an individual breaking into vehicles in the parking lot of Peachtree Mall, and the individual pointed a gun at witnesses. This individual was identified as Dwayne Neely. Columbus Police Department Officers saw Neely and exchanged gunfire with Neely. Neely was hit several times; first aid was provided on the scene and Neely was taken to Piedmont Midtown Hospital for treatment of his injuries.
This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI regional investigative office in Columbus at 706-565-7888. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
Original Story: An investigation is underway by Georgia Bureau of Investigations after gunfire between an officer and an armed subject occurred outside of Peachtree Mall during holiday shopping.
Columbus police say their officers initially responded to a report of car break-ins but the situation escalated when officers made contact with a male subject. That is when the individual fired shots at an officer.
The officer returned fire to neutralize the threat. The suspect was transported to a local hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
“In line with protocol, both the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and our Office of Professional Standards will conduct a thorough investigation into this incident,” police said. “As standard procedure, the involved officer will be placed on administrative leave pending the conclusion of the investigation. We remain committed to transparency and will provide updates as the investigation progresses.”
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