Family of man shot by Atlanta police at gas station releases statement

ATLANTA - A man is dead after Atlanta Police say officers were forced to shoot him after he fired multiple rounds at officers at two different location Thursday afternoon.

The deadly shooting happened at the Valero gas station on the corner of Moreland Avenue SE and Memorial Drive in east Atlanta, but started around 1 p.m. at 205 Memorial Drive. Atlanta Police Deputy Chief Charles Hampton outlined the events which lead to the deadly shooting during a press conference. 

Deputy Chief Hampton says an officer encountered a man, later identified as 34-year-old Ainsley Popwell Jr. of Ellenwood, loading a firearm and commanded him to drop his gun.

Instead, Hampton says Popwell fired a shot at the officer’s patrol car. The officer was not injured and was able to give a good description of the man over the radio.

The man fled to the nearby gas station as more officers arrived to the scene. The deputy chief says Popwell forced his way behind the counter, gun in hand, and attempted to get into the cash register.

Officers called out to him from outside the store. Hampton says Popwell retaliated by firing once at them.

Two clerks inside the store were not injured.

Officers retreated to safer, more tactically practical locations just minutes before Popwell came out of the store, Hampton says.

"The suspect came out of the store with his weapon brandished and officers discharged their weapon," said Deputy Chief Hampton.

Hampton says Popwell was hit by the gunfire.

"And then, even while on the ground, the suspect fired at least one more round in the direction of officers," Hampton said. "Multiple officers discharged their weapon, striking the suspect."

A woman in the area told FOX 5 Atlanta that she heard about six gunshots.

There are a number of businesses at that corner and when the shooting started, customers and employees took cover. 

"I had to get behind a customer's car," said Clifford Byrd who works right across the street. 

"When we seen it, I was hiding behind a car, and a few of my guys started coming inside because there were a lot of gunshots," said Deon James who runs the Express Oil on the corner.

The man was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital where he died.

One officer suffered minor injuries, but no officers were injured by gunfire.

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum offered condolences to the family of the man.

"This is never the outcome that any officer that goes to work each day wants to see. Our officers acted bravely and decisively to protect the community and to limit the risk that was certainly at play," said APD Chief Darin Schierbaum. 

Late Friday night, the family of Ainsley Popwell Jr. sent the following statement:

Ainsley (Stephen/AJ) Popwell, Jr. was a military veteran that served in the Army for three and a half years. He was a brother, son, father, and friend. His sudden passing is a complete shock to our family and community. My brother was the type of person to give a stranger the shirt off his back and unquestionably lend a helping hand. 

After serving his country overseas, Stephen would unfortunately later be diagnosed with PTSD and other mental health issues all too often seen in those who serve. My brother served his country but struggled living as a civilian. My brothers PTSD and other mental health issues made life a struggle for him especially if he felt unsafe. We are thankful no one else lost their lives Thursday & are still waiting to hear from the APD. 

I can only hope for a day that all who serve their country can have easy accessible healthcare so that no family has to endure the tragedy that we and far too many are having to deal with today. We ask that you please respect our family’s privacy during this difficult time. 

The Popwell Family

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been asked to investigate the use of deadly force, which is standard practice for police shootings.