DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Police say an off-duty Atlanta police officer shot two men trying to break into his car Sunday morning.
DeKalb’s public safety director Cedric Alexander told Channel 2 the men were stealing police equipment, including ammunition, from the officer’s personal vehicle when they were shot.
It happened early Sunday at the officer’s home in south DeKalb County.
Police say the officer heard something outside his home, grabbed his service weapon and went out to investigate. He saw the men breaking into his personal vehicles. According to Alexander, the officer felt frightened and then fired, striking them both.
The two men were taken to the hospital.
"Based on our initial investigation, it was later determined that gun belts and other items were taken from outside of that officer's vehicle which they were apparently trying to steal," said Alexander.
Alexander says he believes the officer identified himself before shooting.
DeKalb police are still investigating. They say the officer will not face charges at this time. They believe the shooting was justified since the officer felt threatened and was protecting his family.