Citizen Helps Officer Apprehend Armed Suspect in Downtown Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA – A good Samaritan intervened to help an Atlanta Police officer apprehend an armed and combative suspect on Friday, July 11, after the suspect allegedly assaulted the officer with a replica firearm. The incident, which began as a report of a person armed, led to the arrest of Harold Lord Sullivan, 36.

At approximately 11:00 AM on July 11, Atlanta Police officers responded to a report of a person armed near 221 Peachtree St SW. Upon arrival, Officer T. Ward located an individual matching the description, later identified as Harold Sullivan. As Officer Ward attempted to make contact, Sullivan tried to flee, leading to a brief foot pursuit.

According to Officer T. Briley’s report, a struggle ensued during the apprehension, and Sullivan resisted arrest. It was at this point that a nearby citizen, later identified as Marques Burnette, intervened and assisted Officer Ward in securing what appeared to be a weapon. Officer Briley arrived to find Officer Ward actively restraining Sullivan, with Mr. Burnette’s assistance. Officer Briley immediately stepped in, instructing the civilian to back away, and took control of Sullivan.

Officer Briley observed that Officer Ward had visible severe swelling under his left eye, which was closed shut from the injury. Sullivan was also bleeding from the head. As Sullivan was being escorted to a patrol vehicle for transport to Grady Hospital for his injuries, a silver “firearm” was discovered on the ground about 20 feet from where Sullivan was restrained. Officer R. Singh (Unit# 3571) secured the weapon.

It was later determined that the “silver firearm” was, in fact, a metal BB gun or replica, containing a CO2 cartridge. The BB gun had the appearance and weight of a real firearm.

Officer Ward later recounted that Mr. Burnette had initially approached him, reporting that a male subject had pointed a firearm at him. Officer Ward exited his vehicle and located Sullivan waving the BB gun in the air. When Officer Ward attempted to detain Sullivan, a struggle ensued, during which Sullivan struck Officer Ward in the face with the metal BB gun. With Mr. Burnette’s continued assistance, Officer Ward was able to subdue Sullivan.

At Grady Hospital, Sullivan became highly combative. When Officers T. Hoffman, R. Singh, and T. Briley attempted to secure him back to his bed, Sullivan made aggressive jerking movements, attempted to bite officers, and succeeded in biting Officer Briley on his right hand. Once secured, Sullivan also spat on Officers Briley, Singh, and Hoffman. Sullivan initially refused to provide identifying information but was later identified via fingerprint scanner. After being medically cleared, he was transported to Fulton County Jail.

Sullivan has been charged with Aggravated Battery, three counts of Battery (Felony), four counts of Obstructing Officers, and one count of Point/Aiming Pistol at Another.

Atlanta Police expressed gratitude for the community’s willingness to help but reminded the public that the safest and most effective way to assist in such situations is by calling 911 and providing detailed information to responding officers, as intervening in the apprehension of a potentially armed individual can pose serious risks.