SUGAR HILL— A 17-year-old boy was shot and killed by Gwinnett County police officers late Friday afternoon after he reportedly charged at them with a knife. The confrontation occurred around 4:26 p.m. near the roundabout at Whitehead Road and West Broad Street in Sugar Hill, where the teenager had called 911, saying he was armed and a danger to himself and others.
The Details: The teenager contacted emergency dispatch, stating that he was armed with a knife and a handgun and was considering harming himself and others. In response, Gwinnett County police, along with a clinician from the department’s Behavioral Health Unit, were dispatched to the scene. The mental health professional made contact with the teen by phone while en route, where he disclosed that he was suicidal and suffering from depression.
When officers arrived at the scene, they encountered the teenager in the roadway. From a distance, officers began issuing commands, instructing him to drop the knife he was holding. Despite attempts to negotiate with the teen, police say he suddenly sprinted towards two officers while swinging the knife. In response, both officers fired their weapons, striking the teenager.
The teen died at the scene from his injuries.
What’s Next: The Georgia Bureau of Investigation as taken over the investigation into the shooting, in accordance with Gwinnett County Police policy.
In Context: This police shooting adds to ongoing discussions about the handling of mental health crises by law enforcement, particularly when they escalate to deadly outcomes.
Thom Chandler
The Georgia Sun is a news and infotainment website devoted to all things Georgia.
