Police says quick-acting officers ‘probably saved this woman’s life’
Gunfire erupts near busy Tesla chargers after 911 flood
Two Gainesville police officers are recovering after exchanging gunfire with an armed domestic dispute suspect behind a New Holland Market Kroger on Thursday, leaving the man in critical condition while likely saving a woman’s life.
GAINESVILLE, Ga. – Two Gainesville police officers are recovering after they shot and critically wounded a man who immediately opened fire on them during a domestic disturbance call behind the New Holland Market shopping center along Jesse Jewell Parkway Southeast on Thursday.
Gainesville police shooting details
What we know:
The Gainesville Police Department said its officers responded to a domestic disturbance call involving a man and a woman in the rear of the New Holland Market shopping center, located along Jesse Jewell Parkway Southeast.
According to the department, the man opened fire on an officer upon arrival. The officer returned fire and struck the suspect.
Emergency responders took the suspect to Northeast Georgia Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition. Police said the officer was also taken to the hospital for medical evaluation and observation.
The Gainesville Police Department has requested the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to lead the investigation into the shooting.
Aerial video from SKYFOX 5 shows Gainesville police units and crime scene tape cordoning off the parking lot behind the New Holland Market shopping center along Jesse Jewell Parkway SE after an officer shot and critically wounded an armed man who ope
Busy shopping center crowd
Why you should care:
The shootout unfolded during a peak shopping rush near Tesla superchargers at the back of the shopping center, yet no bystanders were hit. Holbrook credited the officers’ fast response with protecting the public and likely saving the life of the woman involved in the initial fight.
“It’s a very busy time. You’re looking at peak times for shopping, the incident occurred at the rear of the shopping center, where there are multiple people there, Tesla superchargers,” Holbrook said. “These officers did encounter a dangerous situation today, in doing so probably saved this woman’s life.”
GBI investigation and unknowns
What we don’t know:
The Gainesville Police Department requested that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation take the lead on the shooting investigation. Agents have already responded to the scene, where crews towed away several cars for evidence.
Authorities have not released the name or age of the wounded man, nor have they identified the two officers involved. Police also have not shared details about the condition of the woman from the domestic fight or whether anyone will face criminal charges.
Family reaction at scene
What they’re saying:
Several of the wounded man’s family members arrived at the scene earlier in the evening. They told reporters they were still trying to figure out what happened and were not ready to give a public statement.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from Gainesville Police Department Capt. Kevin Holbrook, who provided on-scene updates to FOX 5’s Rob DiRienzo, as well as earlier reporting from the Gainesville Police Department. This article has been updated since it was originally published.
