The Gist: A Jonesboro teenager, 17-year-old Stephon Ford, was fatally shot by Clayton County police yesterday morning, in a series of events that began with the death of a police dog. This marks the 66th officer-involved shooting the GBI has been called to investigate this year.
What Happened? At about 9:50 a.m. on September 2, Clayton County Police were near West Avenue in Jonesboro, still reeling from the earlier loss of their K-9 officer, Waro.
Waro had been shot and killed earlier that morning, and police had secured arrest warrants for 17-year-old Stephon Ford.
While combing the woods behind local homes, officers encountered Ford. According to police, he was shot and killed after police instructed him to show his hands. Police say Ford was holding a handgun, which later turned out to have malfunctioned while being fired.
What’s Next?
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation will carry out an independent inquiry into the incident. Once concluded, the Clayton County District Attorney’s Office will review the case. The findings could have implications for both police procedures and public sentiment in Clayton County.
Reminder: Crime articles contain only charges and information from police reports and law enforcement statements. Suspects and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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