KENNESAW, GA — Authorities have identified the man fatally shot by police after being accused of shoplifting Wednesday at Town Center Mall in Kennesaw.
Officers responded to the Ernest Barrett Parkway mall around 2 p.m. after a store employee notified police of a suspected shoplifting incident, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
When Cobb County Police arrived, officers located a man who was walking across the parking lot and matched the suspect description given by the store worker, authorities said. The GBI identified the man as Cortez Eatmon, 25, of Alabama.
Officers tried to approach Eatmon, but he ran from the officers and ignored commands to stop running, the GBI said.
Another officer tried to tase Eatmon multiple times but was not successful, the GBI said.
Officers continued to give verbal commands, but Eatmon pulled out a handgun, the GBI said.
RELATED: Probe Into Police Shooting Underway In Kennesaw
An officer shot Eatmon, who was then rendered medical aid, police said.
Eatmon, in serious condition, was taken to a hospital and died of his injuries, police said.
His body will be taken to the Cobb County Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy, the GBI said.
No officers were injured in the shooting, police said.
“This incident is understandably concerning for our community, and our thoughts remain with
all those affected," Cobb County Police Chief Dan Ferrell said in a news release. "We are thankful that no officers were injured and remain committed to transparency and a thorough, independent review as the process moves forward.”
Once the GBI's investigation is completed, the case file will be given to the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office for review.
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