Man Killed in Officer-Involved Shooting Outside Chamblee Walmart

CHAMBLEE, Ga. – A 29-year-old man was shot and killed Thursday afternoon during an officer-involved shooting outside a Walmart in Chamblee, prompting an investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

The incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. on January 15 at the Walmart located at 1871 Chamblee Tucker Road. According to preliminary information, a Chamblee Police Department officer working an off-duty security assignment was alerted by Walmart loss prevention staff about a suspected shoplifter inside the store.

Officers made contact with the suspect, later identified as Travis Damonta Harris, 29. Police said Harris resisted detention and began fighting with officers. During the struggle, Harris, who was armed, fired a single shot, though no officers were struck.

Harris was able to flee the store and ran across the street toward a nearby apartment complex. Officers located him again in the complex’s parking lot, where they issued verbal commands for him to drop the gun. Authorities said Harris did not comply and instead walked toward an officer while still holding the weapon.

Officers fired multiple rounds, striking Harris. Officers immediately rendered medical aid, but Harris was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel. No officers were injured during the incident.

At the request of the Chamblee Police Department, the GBI is conducting an independent investigation. Once completed, the case file will be turned over to the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office for review.