Wanted Murder Suspect Shot and Killed by Police After Manhunt in Cobb County

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — A man wanted for murder in Atlanta was shot and killed by police Tuesday after an hours-long search in a wooded area near hotels and neighborhoods, according to authorities.

The incident began April 21, 2026, when the Cobb County Police Department was asked by the Atlanta Police Department to assist in locating a murder suspect.

Around 1 p.m., officers responded to the area of Leland Drive and located the suspect, later identified as 31-year-old Damian D. Strozier.

Police said Strozier produced a handgun and pointed it at an officer, prompting the officer to fire his weapon. Strozier then fled into a wooded area, and it was initially unknown if he had been struck.

The situation led to a large law enforcement response as officers searched for an armed and dangerous suspect near nearby hotels, apartment complexes and residential neighborhoods.

At approximately 7:43 p.m., officers and Cobb County Sheriff’s Office deputies located Strozier in a wooded area near Leland Drive and Windy Hill Road.

During that encounter, officers again discharged their firearms, striking Strozier.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers were injured.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been requested to conduct an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

Authorities said the findings will be turned over to the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office for review once the investigation is complete.

Police said the department remains committed to transparency as the investigation continues.