Suspect In Shooting Of Two DeKalb Deputies Killed: Sheriff

LITHONIA, GA — The suspect in the shooting of two DeKalb County Sheriff's Office deputies Wednesday was killed after exchanging gunfire with law enforcement, Sheriff Melody Maddox said.

Two DeKalb County Sheriff's Office deputies were shot Wednesday morning in Lithonia while serving an aggravated assault warrant on Edward Gatling, 38. Gatling fled the residence and law enforcement looked for him throughout the morning and early afternoon. Sheriff Maddox said law enforcement received a tip Gatling may be hiding in a wooded area.

Officers went to the area and spotted Gatling, the sheriff said. Gunfire was exchanged and Gatling was pronounced dead, she added. Maddox said no law enforcement officials or other civilians were injured.

The shooting happened in the 2100 block of Wellington Circle in Lithonia. Maddox said Gatling shot through the door when deputies Aaron Jackson and Jared Hunt arrived at a residence around 7:30 a.m. Wednesday to serve a warrant for aggravated assault. Maddox said the deputies did not fire any shots.

Maddox said both deputies are "doing fine."

There have been several other officer-involved shootings in the Atlanta metropolitan area recently. On Tuesday, a Clayton County police officer was shot and killed and another injured.

Last week, a Henry County Sheriff's Office deputy was shot while attempting to make an arrest.

And in Jackson County, a 49-year-old sheriff's deputy died after being shot while responding to a domestic disturbance, as People reports.

This is a developing story. Patch will update as more information becomes available.