Suspected gun store burglar killed in shootout with police in Smyrna; 2 officers injured

SMYRNA, Ga. - A suspected burglar was killed in a shootout with Smyrna and Cobb County police at the Adventure Outdoors gun store along South Cobb Drive. 

Smyrna Police Chief Keith Zgonc said during an early morning press conference on Saturday that multiple 911 calls were received around midnight regarding a burglary at the gun store, with another call reporting shots fired near the intersection of South Cobb Drive and Windy Hill Road. 

Chief Zgonc explained that when officers arrived at the scene, the suspect, who was inside the store, opened fire on them. An exchange of shots followed. Officers from both Smyrna and Cobb County police departments returned fire, resulting in the death of the man. 

Two Smyrna police officers were injured during that shootout. The officers involved were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Both officers are expected to survive. 

A SWAT team was subsequently brought in to secure the store and ensure there was no one else inside. 

The motive behind the man's attempt to break into the store remains unclear. On Saturday morning, the GBI said the man remains unidentified and his body will be taken to the Cobb County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.

Police cars line South Cobb Drive at Windy Hill in Cobb County on Sept 28, 2024. (GDOT)

Police said the investigation is still in its early stages. 

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been requested to look into the use of force during the incident, which is standard procedure in most shootings involving police officers. 

Adventure Outdoors touts itself as the world's largest gun store. 

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