Gainesville officer shot, suspect dead after shootout Thursday night
Gainesville officer shot, suspect dead after shootout
A Gainesville police officer was shot while responding to a 911 call, but survived after protective gear helped stop the bullet.
GAINESVILLE, Ga. - A 24-year-old man accused of shooting a Gainesville police officer during a late-night confrontation was killed after an hourslong standoff that stretched into early Friday morning, authorities said.
What we know:
Gainesville Police Chief Jay Parrish said the incident began around 10:30 p.m. Thursday when a woman called 911, saying she feared for her life and reporting an armed man. Officers located the caller, who directed them to another home in the Briarwood Drive and Skyline Drive area.
Inside that home, officers found a woman and two children. They were safely removed after the suspect had been allowed inside.
Narrow escape for Gainesville police officer
A Gainesville police officer is lucky to be alive after being shot by a man late last night. The man was eventually shot and killed by law enforcement after multiple exchanges of gunfire. The police officer was saved by his radio mic and bullet-proof vest. Tyler Finger reporting.
When officers entered the home, Dakota Levi Simmons allegedly opened fire, striking one officer. The officer returned fire, and the suspect moved toward the back of the home, exchanging gunfire with additional officers before barricading himself inside.
The wounded officer was taken to the hospital. A ballistic vest and radio microphone most likely prevented more serious injuries. Three other officers were later treated for elevated heart rates and shock.
Multiple agencies, including SWAT and negotiators, responded to the scene. Officers attempted to negotiate with the man for about three hours, but police say he continued firing from inside the home. Warrants were obtained during the standoff related to the shooting of the officer.
After several hours, the suspect exited the front of the home and exchanged gunfire with officers again. He was shot and killed. The standoff ended around 5:30 a.m.
RAW : Gainesville police chief talks about shooting
Gainesville Police Chief Jay Parrish gives information about the shooting that left one man dead and sent 4 officers to a nearby hospital.
What they're saying:
Chief Parrish described the situation as "serious and very tragic," adding that "our hand was forced" in the final use of force. They said they initially hoped for a peaceful resolution but later determined that would not be possible.
Parrish also said the original caller knew Simmons, but the nature of their relationship remains unclear. It is also not known if the situation was domestic-related.
Gainesville police officer shot, 2 others injured
A Gainesville police officer was shot late Thursday night and 2 others were injured during a violent encounter. The suspect is now dead. This is a breaking news report. Marc Teichner reporting from the scene.
What we don't know:
Officer names are not yet being released as families are still being notified, according to the police chief.
What's next:
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is now handling the officer-involved shooting investigation, which is standard procedure when police officers are involved in a shooting. Authorities say the case remains active and ongoing.