Eviction Standoff In Lithonia Turns Deadly, Officers Kill Suspect

LITHONIA, Ga. – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating an officer-involved shooting that left a 49-year-old man dead following a prolonged standoff during an eviction attempt in Lithonia, authorities said.

The investigation was requested by the DeKalb County Police Department. The man who was shot and killed was identified as Jared Toombs of Lithonia. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

According to preliminary information released Jan. 22, the incident began around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, when deputies with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office went to a home in the 1900 block of Young Road to serve an eviction order. Authorities said Toombs had been ordered to vacate the residence.

When Toombs opened the door, deputies saw he was armed with a gun and he immediately slammed the door shut, officials said. Deputies surrounded the home and attempted to communicate with him in an effort to secure a peaceful surrender. As deputies attempted to enter the residence, Toombs fired at them. No deputies were struck.

An arrest warrant for Toombs and a search warrant for the home were obtained. The sheriff’s office requested assistance from the DeKalb County Police Department SWAT team to help execute the warrants.

Police said SWAT officers attempted to negotiate with Toombs, but he refused to surrender. Tear gas was deployed in an effort to force him out of the home, but negotiations continued into the following morning.

Authorities said when officers eventually entered the residence, Toombs reached for a gun, and deputies fired, striking him. He was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

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