ATHENS, Ga. — A suspect has died after authorities say he charged at an officer with a gun in his hand.
The incident happened just before 6:30 p.m. on West Lake Drive as officers were allegedly confronted by the suspect who was brandishing what they believed was a gun.
Preliminary investigation suggests Athens-Clarke County officers issued commands for the man to drop the gun. Instead, the police said the suspect charged at the officers with the gun in his hand pointed at officers.
"Multiple officers, fearing for their lives and safety, discharged their firearms," the Athens-Clarke County Police Department said in a statement. "After the shooting, officers immediately rendered first aid and the individual was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries."
Police haven't yet released the name of the victim as they work to notify family members. The involved Athens-Clarke County officers have been placed on administrative leave in keeping with police department policy, officials said.
The police department has since contacted the Georgia Bureau of Investigation who will handle the rest of the investigation and turn their findings over to the area district attorney.
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