GBI investigating 60th police shooting this year

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For the 60th time this year, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation finds itself investigation an officer shooting.  The latest taking place Thursday evening when a man was rushed to the hospital after being shot at a Bartow County truck stop.

It happened a little after 6 p.m. Thursday at Love's Travel Stop along Old Allatoona Road at  Exit 283 off of Interstate 75. The G.B.I. said law enforcement was called to the truck stop after receiving a report of a man threatening harm to himself.

The GBI said two Emerson Police officers and one Bartow County Sheriff’s deputy encountered 51-year-old Jose Rafael Caballero. Investigators said Caballero was armed with a handgun. He pointed it at the officers and refused to obey their command to drop it, according to investigators.

Officers then fired several times at Caballero, according to the GBI. He was rushed to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in critical, but stable condition.

There were no other injuries reported.

Emerson Police Sgt. Neil Baker, Emerson Police Patrolman Gary Mandelus, and Bartow County Deputy George Murchison were identified by the GBI as being involved in the incident.

The GBI said they will turn over the results of their independent investigation to the Cherokee Judicial Circuit for review once it is complete.

Jeff Stubbs tells FOX5 that Caballero is his brother in law.  According to Stubbs, Caballero got into a fight with his wife and ended up getting kicked out of the house, but not before stealing a gun.  When he later returned to retrieve his stuff, Stubbs says Caballero appeared to be very drunk and was talking about killing himself.  Stubbs then called police and told them they likely could find his brother-in-law at the truck stop.  He says the last he knew, Caballero was in surgery.

Stay tuned to Good Day Atlanta and FOX5 for more on this developing story.