Man with knife shot, killed by officer at VA medical center in Decatur
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - A man with a knife was shot and killed by an officer on Monday night at the Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center on Clairmont Road in Decatur, according to Georgia Bureau of Investigations.
According to the GBI, 58-year-old John Robert Smith of Decatur was displaying suicidal ideations when he arrived at the hospital Jan. 29.
Hospital staff took Smith into the emergency room for assistance. Once inside, he reportedly pulled out a knife and threatened to harm himself.
Eric Sherrod said he was inside the hospital when it happened.
"There was like 8 officers. One officer has a gun drawn out – maybe more, but I seen the one – and there was a guy wielding a huge knife. It was almost like a machete," he said.
VA police officers responded to the ER and attempted to persuade Smith to put down the knife. He refused and advanced on a staff member, according to the GBI.
"They just start shooting about 6 to eight shots, maybe. Pop, pop, pop, pop. And I seen the gun, smoke coming from the gun, and I'm like, ‘Oh my god, oh my god.’"
An officer shot Smith, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
"We've never experienced anything like that and we've been going to the VA for decades," Sherrod said.
The medical center released the following statement:
"A fatal shooting occurred on campus last night that is currently under investigation. We extend our heartfelt condolences to everyone impacted. Due to the ongoing investigation, we must refer all questions to GBI."
Smith's body will be taken to the DeKalb County Medical Examiner's Office for autopsy. The GBI will conduct an independent investigation. Once complete, the case file will be given to the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office for review.
The center provides primary care and specialty health services. It is not known if Smith was a veteran.
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This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).