89-year-old Shot During SWAT Search Warrant in Henry County

MCDONOUGH, Ga. — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is conducting an independent investigation after an 89-year-old man was shot by Henry County police officers while a SWAT team executed a search warrant Friday morning.

According to the GBI, the Henry County Police Department requested the agency investigate the officer-involved shooting that occurred at approximately 6 a.m. on June 26 at a residence in the 1000 block of King Mill Road in McDonough.

Investigators identified the man who was shot as 89-year-old John McPherson Sr. of McDonough.

The GBI said Henry County SWAT officers were serving a search warrant connected to an aggravated assault investigation stemming from an incident that occurred on June 25.

Preliminary information indicates officers encountered McPherson inside the residence holding a long gun.

According to investigators, officers repeatedly ordered McPherson to drop the weapon, but he refused and retreated into a bedroom.

The GBI said McPherson later exited the bedroom and raised the long gun toward the officers. Two Henry County police officers then fired their weapons, striking him.

McPherson was transported to a local hospital for treatment. His condition has not been released.

No officers were injured during the incident.

The GBI will conduct an independent investigation before submitting its findings to the Henry County District Attorney’s Office for review.