South Fulton Man Killed After Shooting Wife, Opening Fire on Police, GBI Says

SOUTH FULTON, Ga. – A 55-year-old man was killed during an exchange of gunfire with South Fulton police after authorities say he shot his wife and then opened fire on officers responding to the couple’s home.

The man who died has been identified as Eric Bates of South Fulton, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

The incident began around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, when South Fulton police responded to a home in the 3300 block of Flat Shoals Road.

The 911 call involved an argument and a report of a suicidal man armed with a gun, according to preliminary information released by the GBI.

When officers arrived, they encountered a woman who told them her husband had shot her.

As officers provided aid to the woman, Bates came out of the home and began shooting at them, the GBI said.

Officers returned fire, and Bates retreated into the house.

South Fulton police activated the department’s SWAT team while officers secured the scene.

After SWAT officers arrived, they entered and cleared the home. Bates was found inside suffering from an apparent gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The woman was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Authorities have not released information about the severity of her injuries.

No police officers were injured.

Bates’ body was taken to the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.

The South Fulton Police Department requested that the GBI investigate the officer-involved shooting. Anyone with information can contact the GBI Atlanta Regional Investigative Office in Conyers at 770-388-5019.