Driver shot, killed while trying to steal Lawrenceville police cruiser identified

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. - A busy stretch of Highway 120 was blocked off for several hours Tuesday morning in Lawrenceville as investigators combed the scene for evidence in a deadly officer involved shooting.

The violent confrontation between a passing motorist and Lawrenceville police unfolded at around 3 a.m. along Highway 120 near Pike Park Drive as Lawrenceville police officers were conducting a traffic stop. 

FOX 5 spoke with GBI spokesperson Nelly Miles by phone. She said the driver bailed out of his black Kia Sorento and tried to steal the officer’s police cruiser. 

"A gentleman who was driving a black car sped past them, ended up making a U-turn, driving back towards the officers and then abandoning his vehicle.

That driver was later identified as 33-year-old John Michael Cicalo Jr. of Dacula. 

Detectives worked through the morning gathering evidence, while those with business in the area, waited nearby for officers to clear the scene. 

"I'm losing money standing here. I'm supposed to be at work at six o'clock. I can't move. I'm sitting here hoping they can finish," said businessman Andrew Nwanko.

Authorities shut down West Pike Street from Old Norcross Road to Langley Drive while they investigated the incident. The road finally reopened about 8 hours after the shooting.   

Early in the investigation, it's unclear what Cicalo was doing in the area, or why he first sped pass officers, then turned around and tried to steal their vehicle. 

Jo Orji, like other metro-area residents is disturbed by the senseless acts of violence. 

"We want everyone to be protected," Orji said. "Everyone. Everyone is included. The residents, the police officers. We want everybody to be safe. We don't want someone to go out there not knowing they are returning back. Safety is important in the community."

This is the 74th shooting involving Georgia law enforcement officers that the GBI has been asked to investigate in 2023.