Atlanta police officer, woman shot during mental health call
Chief reveals vest prevented fatal injury in shooting
An Atlanta police officer was released from Grady Memorial Hospital after being shot in the arm during a mental health call.
ATLANTA - An Atlanta police officer is expected to recover after being shot while responding to a call involving an armed person experiencing a mental health crisis Monday morning, according to Atlanta police.
What we know:
Police were called to a home in the 1400 block of Clark Howard Lane SW around 8:41 a.m. Officers with the Zone 4 day watch responded after receiving a report of a person experiencing a mental health crisis who was armed with a gun.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says Gates fired at the officers, striking one officer. Officers returned fire, and a female resident in the home was also injured.
Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said officers had responded to the home multiple times before for mental health-related calls. The officer who was shot told the chief it was about his third time responding to the location.
As officers attempted to address the situation Monday, someone opened fire, according to police. The 30-year-old officer was struck in the arm. Other officers were able to get him away from the scene and transport him to Grady Memorial Hospital. Police said he is expected to make a full recovery.
The officer was identified as DeVante Matthews.
DeVante Matthews. Courtesy of Atlanta Police Department
Police took Gates into custody following the shooting. Schierbaum said Gates was being taken to Atlanta Public Safety Headquarters and would face charges related to the shooting of the officer.
Michael Gates booking photo (Credit: Fulton County Sheriff's Office)
While clearing the home, officers found a woman with an apparent gunshot wound to her leg. She was also alert, conscious and breathing when transported for treatment.
Emergency medical crews prepare to transport a second victim found wounded inside the southwest Atlanta home where suspect Michael Gates allegedly opened fire on police on August 17, 2026 (FOX 5 Atlanta).
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and Schierbaum met the officer when he arrived at Grady. Dickens said the officer was shaken and in pain but was able to speak with them. His family was contacted and was headed to the hospital.
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Atlanta police officer shot in arm Monday morning
An Atlanta police officer was shot in the arm on Monday morning while responding to a call involving a 24-year-old man experiencing a mental health crisis. The officer is expected to recover. This is a breaking news report.
What they're saying:
Police said previous calls to the home had included reports that Gates might have access to a weapon, but authorities said he had not previously used a gun against an officer.
Atlanta officer recovering after shooting
An Atlanta police officer is recovering at Grady Memorial Hospital after being shot in the arm during a call involving a mental health crisis on Monday morning. Aungelique Proctor reporting.
The shooting also prompted city leaders to call for additional resources to address mental health crises. Schierbaum said APD handles about 19 mental health-related calls each day. Dickens said those calls consume significant police resources and argued that additional mental health services are needed at the state and county levels.
Gov. Kemp posted to social media that he, his wife Marty, and "the girls" are praying for a swift recovery for the APD officer. He also said they are "grateful for his bravery" and that of all law enforcement officers across the state as they answer the call of duty and put themselves in harm's way to protect others.
What's next:
At the request of the Atlanta Police Department, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is conducting an independent investigation into the shooting. Once state agents complete their review, the case file will be submitted to the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office for review.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Atlanta at 770-388-5019 or submit anonymous tips at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477).