Atlanta police officers shot responding to mental health call

August 31, 2026 - 04:55

Two Atlanta police officers are recovering after being shot late Tuesday while responding to a mental health call on Forest Park Road, according to the Atlanta Police Department. The incident unfolded around 9:30 p.m. when officers were dispatched to assist with a person experiencing a behavioral health crisis.

Preliminary reports indicate that when officers arrived at the scene, they encountered a man who was armed. Shots were exchanged, and both officers sustained gunshot wounds. They were rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital, where they are listed in stable condition. The suspect was also struck by gunfire and was taken to the same hospital for treatment. His condition has not been released.

Police Chief Darin Schierbaum addressed the media early Wednesday, calling the incident a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of such calls. He noted that the department has been expanding its co-responder program, pairing officers with mental health professionals, but that this particular call did not have a clinician on scene at the time of the shooting.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been called in to lead the investigation, which is standard protocol for officer-involved shootings in the state. The names of the injured officers have not been released, but the department says both are veteran members of the force. Investigators are working to piece together the sequence of events and are reviewing body camera footage from the officers involved.

This marks the third time in the past year that Atlanta officers have been shot while on duty. The mayor's office released a statement expressing support for the officers and their families, while also urging the public to allow the investigation to proceed without speculation. The area around Forest Park Road was closed for several hours as crime scene technicians processed the scene.