Gunfire Erupts During High-Speed Chase on I-285; 19-Year-Old Suspect in Custody

DECATUR, GA — A wild police pursuit involving gunfire erupted on Interstate 285 on Tuesday, July 8, resulting in the arrest of a 19-year-old gunman. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is now conducting an independent officer-involved shooting investigation at the request of the Avondale Estates Police Department (AEPD). No officers or the suspect were struck by gunfire.

According to preliminary reports, at approximately 1:15 p.m., DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD) officers responded to a call for service in the 4000 block of Memorial Drive in Decatur. Upon arrival, officers from DKPD and AEPD encountered Ahmad Sulaiman, 19, of Clarkston.

Sulaiman allegedly pulled a handgun and pointed it at an officer before fleeing the scene in an SUV, striking multiple vehicles, including police units.

A pursuit ensued on I-285 Southbound. During the chase, an AEPD officer attempted a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver. Gunfire was exchanged between the officer and Sulaiman, but no one was injured.

The pursuit continued until a DKPD officer successfully ended it using a PIT maneuver near the I-675 interchange. Sulaiman was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for treatment. The involved officer was also treated and has since been released.

The GBI is leading the investigation. Upon completion, the case will be turned over to the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office for review.