Teen struck in shootout with Gwinnett County police officer, incident under investigation

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—Gwinnett detectives are investigating an officer-involved shooting involving a 16-year-old suspect who fired multiple shots at police officer after a foot pursuit early today(Sept. 22).

The call concerning the suspect came into the 911 Center around 6:30 a.m.  from a woman who said that her teen son was armed with a handgun and possibly under the influence of drugs.

A responding officer arrived at 1400 Chase Lane in unincorporated Norcross. The woman pointed out her son to the officer in the parking lot, and the officer attempted to make contact. The officer was engaged in a brief foot pursuit while giving verbal commands for the teen to drop his weapon. As the teen approached the 500 building, he turned around and fired multiple shots at the officer. The officer returned fire, striking him in the leg.

Immediately following the shooting, a second officer and patrol supervisor arrived. Together, they rendered aid and placed a tourniquet on the teen’s leg. He was transported to a local hospital to be treated for his injuries, which were not life-threatening, police said. The officer was not injured.

Detectives later learned that the teen was in possession of two firearms when the officer first arrived on scene but discarded one during the foot pursuit after it appeared to have malfunctioned.

Criminal charges against the teen are forthcoming, authorities said.

Photos via Gwinnett County Police Department.