Police search for 'armed and extremely dangerous' gunman who ambushed officer

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Authorities are warning people in a part of DeKalb County to be on the lookout for a man who they say is extremely dangerous.

DeKalb County police told Channel 2 Action News that their officers responded to a domestic violence call early Monday morning at the Wesley Club apartments at 4103 Wesley Club Drive in Decatur.

When the officers arrived, they found a woman waiting outside who explained the situation to police. When the officers went inside the apartment to talk to the man, police said the officers were ambushed.

DeKalb County police Maj. D.L. Jordan said the man fired several shots at the officer, who then quickly retreated.

A grandmother who did not want to be identified said she had to duck to stay safe: "I’m terrified for my family. My niece and my nephew live over here, as well, and they play outside."

The gunman then ran out of apartment through a back door. Police are currently looking for the man who they consider "armed and extremely dangerous."

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The officer was not injured.

“Very disturbed about this event tonight,” Jordan said. “This was clearly avoidable. This male definitely tried to kill one of our officers and this officer is very fortunate and we just thank God with his experience, and God watching him this male was able to go home tonight. And we’re all very fortunate of that.”

Police have not yet released a description of the suspect, they are still currently interviewing the officer and gathering information.

“We set a perimeter up for K-9 officers out here, our aerial support units and also our east precinct assisting us, so at this time we have an ongoing investigation,” Jordan said.

Neighbors told Channel 2's Kristen Holloway that shootings happen way too often at the complex and in the area.

However, management at the complex said the shooting was an isolated incident.

Authorities said they hope the gunman will turn himself in.

Cox Media Group