Off-Duty APD Officer Involved in Fatal Shooting, Investigation Underway

Atlanta, GA – At the request of the Atlanta Police Department (APD), Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) agents are conducting an independent investigation into an officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of Linton Blackwell, 44, of Atlanta. No officers were injured during the incident.

Preliminary reports indicate that on October 11th, at approximately 11:30 p.m., an APD officer, off-duty but working nearby, became aware of an argument involving Blackwell near Irby Avenue NW and Caine Hill Place NW. The officer approached, and Blackwell walked away toward a parking lot behind a business.

Blackwell entered a vehicle in the lot before placing an item in the small of his back. The officer gave commands regarding a firearm, and during the encounter, discharged their weapon, striking Blackwell. Several officers provided aid, but Blackwell was pronounced dead at the scene.

A handgun was recovered at the location.

The GBI will conduct a thorough, independent investigation. Once complete, the case file will be submitted to the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office for review.