New Jersey Man Fatally Shot by Police After Damaging Patrol Vehicle in Atlanta

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is conducting an independent investigation after a fatal officer-involved shooting on Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Atlanta’s McDaniel Street SW area.

According to preliminary information, around 8:10 a.m., an individual later identified as Elieser Rivera, Jr., 51, of Passaic, New Jersey, reportedly damaged a marked police vehicle by knocking out a window at an apartment complex. A bystander witnessed the incident and alerted a nearby uniformed Fulton County police officer.

While investigating the damage, the officer encountered Rivera, who was armed with a length of flat metal. Rivera allegedly advanced toward the officer and ignored repeated commands to drop the object. The officer discharged his firearm, striking Rivera. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Rivera’s body was transported to the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy. The officer was not injured.

The GBI will continue its independent investigation and will submit its findings to the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office for review.