Incident Overview
A Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy in Atlanta accidentally shot a 5-year-old girl while pursuing a car theft suspect. The incident occurred at a BP gas station on Fulton Industrial Boulevard on Sunday night.
Details of the Pursuit
On June 23rd, Dallas Police Department attempted to arrest 25-year-old Rani Mike Palmer on charges including aggravated assault and kidnapping. Palmer managed to escape from custody and led officers on a high-speed chase. He eventually crashed into a tractor trailer and fled on foot to a nearby gas station.
Shooting Incident
At the gas station, Palmer attempted to carjack a BMW. A deputy fired at the vehicle, hitting a 5-year-old girl sitting in the back seat instead of Palmer. The girl’s mother posted images of the bullet hole and the bullet on Instagram, expressing her distress.
Legal and Civil Actions
The girl’s family has retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump and is considering legal action against the deputy involved. The family demands the deputy’s immediate dismissal, citing negligence and recklessness.
Investigation and Charges
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is conducting an independent investigation into the shooting. Palmer has been taken into custody and faces multiple charges, including criminal attempt to commit murder and kidnapping.
Public and Legal Reactions
The incident has sparked public outrage and calls for a review of the protocols and procedures of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump emphasized the need for accountability and safety measures to prevent such incidents.
Statements and Concerns
The family of the injured girl is demanding justice and accountability from the Sheriff’s Department. The public and legal experts are questioning the procedures followed during the chase and the decision to fire at the vehicle, which resulted in the child being shot. The investigation will determine if the deputy followed proper protocols and if there is a need for procedural changes within the department.
