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Man suspected of killing of Lyft driver shot, killed by police near DeKalb County gas station, police say

The victim of that killing, 31-year-old Lauren Allen, was a Lyft driver, according to DeKalb County Police.

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — The suspect in the killing of a Lyft driver was himself shot and killed Monday night by an officer near a gas station, according to DeKalb Police.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation said they are responding to the incident. 

The City of Peachtree Corners released a statement on Tuesday confirming that the woman killed was the daughter of Peachtree Corners Councilman Joe Sawyer. Their statement read,

"Our hearts go out to Councilman Sawyer and his family. At this time, we are in contact and have assured them that as a work family and friends, we are here to provide any support they may need.  We ask members of the media for respect, privacy, and responsible judgment during this challenging time."

Just before 8:30 p.m. on Monday, officers were called to a homicide off Cedar Croft Court in Lithonia. 

The victim of that killing, 31-year-old Lauren Allen, was a Lyft driver, according to DeKalb County Police. They added that a passenger she was dropping off got into a "domestic dispute" with another man, who fired several shots at the car, hitting and killing Allen. It is unclear at this time if Allen was an intended target.

Credit: WXIA
Lauren Allen-Sawyer, 31, Lyft Driver

That man, 23-year-old Lerelle Chatman, later came in contact with police less than a mile from the Shell gas station on Covington Highway, armed with a rifle, according to GBI.

According to the GBI, Chatman started shooting at the officers and damaged several vehicles - both police and civilian. Police shot back and hit the man, who GBI said died on scene.

Authorities had Welborn Road shut down between Marbut Road and Covington Highway overnight and a heavy police presence could be seen around the Covington Highway area until early Tuesday morning. 

There have been at least two other deadly shootings at that same Shell gas station so far this year.

An online fundraiser was started by Allen's family for funeral arrangements and to help her kids "that she has left behind." Donate to the fundraiser here.

Editor's note: The article was updated to clarify the city of the councilman and who released the statement; it previously said Peachtree City instead of Peachtree Corners. 

This is a developing story. Check back often for new information.

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