Smyrna Police Department Reacts to Eric Thomas Grand Jury Decision

From the Smyrna Police Department

After conducting a Critical Incident review of the officer involved shooting that occurred on March 24, 2015 involving Smyrna Police Department Sergeant Kenneth Owens, the Cobb County Police Department, Georgia Bureau of Investigations, and the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office has determined that the Use of Deadly Force in this incident was legally justified.

Furthermore, the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office presented the findings of all independent investigations to a Grand Jury, upon which that jury found the incident was justified and legal under Georgia law.

The Smyrna Police Department is satisfied this incident was thoroughly scrutinized, investigated, and evaluated. Moreover, we owe a debt of gratitude to all three agencies for their effort, due diligence, and professionalism during the long and tedious process of such an important investigation.

We also continue to offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family of Nicholas Thomas during their time of bereavement and hope that this decision brings closure for all those involved.

The Smyrna Police Department remains vigilant and committed to providing the highest quality of police services to the city of Smyrna while at the same time maintaining respect for individual rights. The Department recognizes that no law enforcement agency can operate at its maximum potential without supportive input from the citizens it serves, therefore we continue to solicit positive relationships with our community and seek out opportunities to improve upon our services through proactive partnerships with business, civic, and faith based leaders within our boundaries.