Knife-wielding person shot by police after attempting to attack officer, East Point PD says

EAST POINT, Ga. -- An individual is hospitalized after being shot by a police officer during a mental health crisis in East Point. The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday at a residence on Stone Road, where police were dispatched following reports of a mentally ill person who had taken drugs and was exhibiting self-destructive behavior.

Upon arrival, officers sought to de-escalate the situation, but the individual became aggressive and threatened them with a knife. Despite attempts to use non-lethal measures, the officers were unable to control the situation as the person escalated their aggression.

In a critical moment, the individual lunged at an officer with the knife, prompting the officer to discharge their weapon, hitting the person in the lower torso.

Emergency responders quickly provided medical treatment on-site before transporting the injured person to Grady Memorial Hospital. Their current condition has not been disclosed.

As per standard procedure for officer-involved shootings, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has been called in to oversee the investigation.