Cops Who Killed Suspect on I-75 Were Justified, Jury Says

MARIETTA, GA — The use of force by police who killed a suspect after he shot a state trooper was justified, a Cobb County grand jury ruled on Friday.

Israel Rodriguez, 26, of Acworth, died after being shot multiple times by police.

Israel had shot Trooper Jacob Fields.

Friday afternoon, Fox 5 Atlanta reported that the grand jury found that the use of force against Rodriguez was authorized.

The January incident began when Fields, a three-year veteran, attempted to pull over Rodriguez for speeding at I-75 southbound and Chastain Road, according to WSB-TV. Rodriguez sped off, resulting in a chase that went on for about 10 miles.

Other troopers got involved in the chase. Police say Rodriguez then rear-ended a car at I-75 and Delk Road, then got out of his vehicle and began shooting at police.

Fields was struck in the abdomen and arm.

Traffic was snarled for several hours on I-75 southbound at Delk Road after the chase ended while police completed their investigation.

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