Morrow police officer shot outside restaurant, suspected shooter identified
MORROW, Ga. - A Morrow police officer is recovering, a second officer is on administrative leave, and a man has been arrested after shots were exchanged outside a Mexican restaurant along Mt. Zion Road on Wednesday evening.
Keon Devon Christian, 26, of McDonough, was shot and injured during the incident. A Morrow police officer, identified as Officer Myron Bell, was also injured.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is probing the officer-involved shooting at the request of the Morrow Police Department.
Officer Myron Bell
Mt. Zion Road shooting
The altercation began around 9:40 p.m. at La Trojas Cantina on Mt. Zion Road where Christian was involved in an argument. Christian allegedly revealed a firearm in his waistband, prompting a 911 call.
When officers arrived, Christian fired at one officer, striking Officer Bell's vest. Christian then ran behind Las Trojas and through a plaza parking lot. That's when a second officer, identified as Brian Dudley, shot Christian. A gun was found near the scene.
"It was chaos last night. I mean it was chaos," said Kelvin Jackson, who works at the Taco Bell next door to Las Trojas Mexican restaurant. He was working there when the gunfire erupted. "I was scared for my life as well because I didn't know if he was going to start shooting over here," Jackson said.
Morrow shooting involving officer under investigation
Investigators would later learn that Christian revealed a gun he had tucked into his waist band during the fight.
"When I heard a commotion, I came outside to see what was going on, and I could see the two having a dispute over here, just going back and forth and stuff. And a man raised his gun and shot the officer," Jackson said.
Bulletproof vest saves officer's life
Morrow Police Major Greg Tatroe says Officer Bell’s bulletproof vest stopped the bullet and saved his life.
"That's a miracle. I'm glad he was wearing his vest," Jackson said.
Tatroe told FOX 5 he is "proud" of Officer Bell and says he was even able to point out to other responding officers where Christian went.
Morrow police officer recovering after shooting
Christian and both officers were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Christian and the officer who was shot in the chest were stable and being treated at last report. The other officer has been released.
Jackson says he is relieved Officer Bell is OK.
"It wasn't right, I pray justice comes for him, for the officer for sure," Jackson said.
Major Tatroe says Bell is doing well and is expected to be released from the hospital by Thursday night.
Man charged with shooting Morrow police officer
Christian faces charges of aggravated assault on a peace officer and criminal attempt to commit murder.
Officer Dudley was placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation into the use of force.
The GBI will continue its independent investigation, which will be reviewed by the Clayton County District Attorney’s Office upon completion. This is their 43rd investigation of an officer-involved shooting of the year.