A shooting involving a police pursuit and attempted carjacking resulted in a child being shot and hospitalized.
The Details: On June 23, 2024, the Dallas Police Department arrested Rashauny Mike Palmer, 25, for aggravated assault and kidnapping. Palmer, handcuffed in a patrol vehicle, escaped and fled in his Dodge Charger. A BOLO (Be On the Lookout) alert was issued, and a Douglas County Sheriff’s deputy located Palmer’s vehicle on I-20 East. Despite a PIT maneuver attempt, Palmer continued driving until crashing into a tractor trailer.
Sheriff’s officials say Palmer then tried to carjack a BMW at a BP gas station on Fulton Industrial Blvd. The deputy fired shots, hitting a child in the backseat of the BMW.
The child was taken to a hospital for treatment.
🔢 By The Numbers:
- Date: June 23, 2024
- Location: BP Gas station, 4335 Fulton Industrial Blvd, Atlanta
- Individuals involved: 1 child shot, 2 adults in BMW, 1 suspect (Palmer)
- Agencies involved: Dallas Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, GBI
🌍 The Big Picture: This incident shows some of the dangers and complexities of police pursuits and apprehensions, especially when bystanders are involved. It raises critical questions about safety protocols and the use of force in densely populated areas.
🏙️ Why It Matters: The shooting underscores concerns about public safety and law enforcement practices. The involvement of a child intensifies scrutiny on police procedures and the measures taken to prevent collateral damage during high-risk operations.
🔎 What’s Next?: The GBI will continue its independent investigation, with the findings reviewed by the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office. The outcome will be pivotal in determining any necessary changes to law enforcement protocols to ensure community safety.
