A 17-year-old was fatally shot by police in Jonesboro, Georgia. The boy allegedly fired at and killed a K-9 and then threatened officers with his weapon. The incident occurred early Saturday, September 2, around 2 a.m., roughly 17 miles south of Atlanta.
The teenager, identified as Stephon Ford, was among three people involved in suspicious activities at a local hotel, according to Clayton County Police Department Assistant Chief Bruce Parks. When approached by the Jonesboro police, all three individuals attempted to flee the scene. While the two were arrested, Ford escaped capture.
To assist with the search, police enlisted the help of the Clayton County Police Department. A K-9 unit from the county police found Ford hiding in a wooded area nearby.
Despite being verbally ordered to surrender, Ford allegedly took out a handgun and shot the police dog.
While officers established a perimeter to isolate Ford, the injured dog was taken to a nearby animal hospital and later died from its wounds.
Hours later, Ford was found again within the set perimeter. Officers instructed him several times to put down his weapon. However, when Ford allegedly aimed his firearm at the officers, they responded with lethal force, resulting in Ford’s death. No police officers or civilians sustained injuries throughout the event.
The incident is now under review by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
