Arrest Warrant Issued For Officer Who Shot, Killed Suspected Car Thief

Atlanta, GA -- Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard said late Friday afternoon that arrest warrants have been issued for a former Atlanta police officer who allegedly shot and killed a suspected car thief in Midtown last month.

James Burns faces charges of murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, among other charges, in the death of Devaris Caine Rogers.

On June 22, Burns, who was off duty and working as a courtesy officer at Monroe Place apartments, reported a suspicious person at that location. At the time of the incident, a police spokesman said Burns chased Rogers and called for backup. Rogers then got in a 2011 silver Ford Fushion and attempted to leave. Several other off-duty officers then arrived, and Rogers still attempted to leave. Burns reportedly felt threatened, and that's when he shot Rogers.

Rogers then crashed into a parked SUV at the Cirque restaurant. He was rushed to a local hospital where he later died.

"Despite the fact the Ford Fusion made no attempt to strike the officer and Burns was safely standing at the rear of his own patrol vehicle, Burns pulled his service weapon and fired one shot into the passenger side of Roger’s vehicle," Howard said. "At the time of the shooting, Burns was not provided with any facts describing Rogers as a threat to the officer or the public. Neither was Rogers identified as the man the off-duty officer had previously reported."

Burns was also notified through his counsel that his case will be presented before a Fulton County grand jury for indictment early next month.

See also:

• Officer Who Shot, Killed Suspected Car Thief Fired
• Police Shoot, Kill Man Trying to Break Into Cars in Midtown