ATLANTA - Police said a 35-year-old man led them on a chase from north Cobb County into northwest Atlanta after he attempted to light a propane tank on fire.
It started at the Walgreens on Barrett Parkway. As officers approached Thomas Edward Cauthorn IV he fled from officers.
The Georgia State Patrol took over the pursuit that ended on Collier Road in front of Piedmont Hospital.
The troopers told Cauthorn to exit his vehicle, but Cauthorn did not comply, according to reports.
Cauthorn reportedly exited the vehicle with his hands concealed inside his coat pockets. Cauthorn quickly removed one hand from his jacket and pointed in the direction of the other trooper.
Trooper Blankenship fired one shot at Cauthorn, who fled and was caught by Trooper Blankenship at which point there was a scuffle.
During the scuffle, another shot was fired by Trooper Blankenship. Trooper Blankenship also fired his Taser at Cauthorn, but it had no effect. After another brief foot chase, Cauthorn was captured and taken into custody.
Cauthorn had been shot once in the right arm. He was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment.
He is in ICU and his injuries are reported as non-life threatening. Cauthorn was not armed during the incident. Neither of the troopers were injured.
He has been charged in Cobb County for arson in the 1st degree, aggravated assault on police officer, felony eluding and numerous other traffic related charges.
The GBI will conduct its independent investigation to determine what occurred during the incident. When the investigation is complete, it will be turned over to the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office for any action they deem appropriate.