Smyrna Officer-Involved Shooting: Case Closed

SMYRNA, GA -- The U.S. Attorney's office has closed the book over the fatal shooting of a suspect last year by a Smyrna police officer, an incident that resulted in numerous protests at Smyrna City Hall.

On March 24, 2015, Sgt. Kenneth Owens, along with two other Smyrna officers and four Cobb County officers, were serving an arrest warrant on Nicholas Thomas, who was working at a Goodyear inside the Vinings Crossing shopping center.

Police say that when Thomas saw the officers approaching, he drove a customer’s white Maserati around the building several times in a reckless manner, and then drove straight at the officers. At that point, police say that Owens feared for his safety and fired at the Maserati, killing Thomas.

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A Cobb County grand jury determined the shooting was justified and recommended no further action be taken in the case.

Owens has since been promoted to lieutenant, a move that prompted Thomas' family, friends and supporters to protest.

Now, the AJC is reporting that no further investigation or action is anticipated by the U.S. Attorney's office or the Cobb District Attorney's office in the case.

Cobb DA Vic Reynolds said the case has been thoroughly investigated and has been deemed justified.

• More on the case from Smyrna-Vinings Patch:

• Protestors Disrupt Another Smyrna City Council Meeting
• Smyrna Officer Involved in Shooting Promoted
• Man Killed by Smyrna Police Was Shot in Back: Autopsy
• Smyrna Police Officer Who Shot Man Returns to Work
• Funeral of Man Killed by Smyrna Police Announced
• Smyrna Officer Involved in Fatal Shooting Faced Assault, Battery Charges in ‘99: Report
• Vigil For Man Killed by Smyrna Police Draws Hundreds of Supporters
• Prayer Vigil Planned For Man Killed by Smyrna Police
• Smyrna Police Identify Officers Involved in Fatal Shooting Incident
• Protesters Disrupt Smyrna-Area Restaurants After Police Shooting
• Smyrna Police Chief: Cobb PD, DA’s Office Will Investigate Officer-Involved Killing
• Family of Man Slain By Smyrna Police Want Independent Investigation