Armed teen shot, killed by officers in Sugar Hill during mental health crisis

SUGAR HILL, Ga. - A 17-year-old, armed with a knife and handgun, was shot and killed by Gwinnett County police officers late Thursday afternoon after he charged at them during a standoff, authorities said. 

The Gwinnett County Police Department received a 911 call at 4:26 p.m. from the teenager, who reported being near the roundabout at Whitehead Road and West Broad Street in Sugar Hill. 

"When the male called 911, one of the first statements he made was he was armed with a gun and a knife and he was a danger to himself and others," said Gwinnett County Police Sgt. Collin Flynn. 

As officers were dispatched to the scene, the Gwinnett County Police Behavioral Health Unit was notified. A licensed mental health clinician spoke to the teen on the phone.

"That clinician spoke with the male and learned he was depressed, and he was suicidal," said Sgt. Flynn. 

Officers encountered the teenager along the roadway at the roundabout. They parked their vehicles a short distance away and issued commands for the teen to drop the knife he was holding. Despite several minutes of negotiation by both officers and the clinician, the situation escalated. Police say the teen suddenly sprinted at the two officers with the knife in hand. 

The officers fired their weapons as the teen approached and swung the knife at them. He was struck at him at least once by gunfire. 

"As officers were speaking with the male, he began charging at them in a full sprint. As he approached the officers, he stabbed towards one of the officers, and two of the officers shot at the male, striking him at least one time," said Sgt. Flynn. 

The teen was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Police say they do not know if the teen actually had a gun. Investigators only found a knife.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been asked to take over the investigation into the use of deadly force.  

The names of the officers and the deceased have not been released. 

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.