Officer Wounded, Suspect Dead After Gunfire In Midtown Apartment, Police Say

Caption

First responders blocked off the streets in Midtown after police officers were met with gunfire responding to a call on Wednesday, June 30, 2021.

Credit: Rickey Bevington/GPB News

One police officer was wounded and a suspect killed in gunfire at an apartment in Midtown on Wednesday afternoon. Atlanta's mayor said officers were "ambushed" when responding to a call.

Police say the shooting took place at the Solace on Peachtree apartment complex at 710 Peachtree Street.

Shortly after 1 p.m., two officers responded to a “shots fired” call at the building, police said. After they entered and ascended the elevator to the eighth floor, the officers were fired upon.

“As soon as the elevator door opened, they were met with gunfire, immediately,” said Deputy Chief Charles Hampton Jr. with the criminal investigations division of Atlanta Police Department. “Officers were able to return fire, and we believe that one suspect was fatally struck.”

One suspect was killed in the gunfire, Hampton said. Authorities later identified the man as Joseph Lee Humbles, 29, of Atlanta. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Humbles "had shot an individual which resulted in non-life threatening injuries.  This individual was also transported to a local area hospital where he is in stable condition." 

Police have not released the name of the officer who was wounded but said the officer was in stable condition and that his family is with him at the hospital. 

“It is only through their training and by the grace of God that these officers did not come upon a more tragic situation,” APD Police Chief Rodney Bryant told reporters Wednesday.

Gov. Brian Kemp said he and his family were praying for the wounded officer and that the state "stands with the brave men and women who protect us every day."

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said the officers were “ambushed” when responding to the original call.

“While so many of us run from danger,” Bottoms said. “Our officers run into danger and that is what happened today.”