GBI Investigates Officer-Involved Fatal Shooting

Photo byGBI

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is conducting an independent investigation following an officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of a 17-year-old resident of Sugar Hill. The incident occurred on August 23, 2024, after the Gwinnett County Police Department (GCPD) responded to a distress call.

According to initial reports, at approximately 4:30 p.m., GCPD officers were dispatched to an area near Whitehead Road and W. Broad Street following a 911 call from the deceased, later identified as Brayden Hemphill. Hemphill had informed the dispatcher that he intended to harm himself and others and mentioned being armed with both a gun and a knife.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers encountered Hemphill holding a knife. Despite multiple verbal commands from the officers to "stop" and assurances that "nobody wants to hurt you," Hemphill advanced toward them, brandishing the knife. As Hemphill continued to move aggressively towards the officers, they instructed him to "get on the ground." Hemphill refused to comply and continued charging at the officers. In response, the officers fired at Hemphill, bringing him briefly to the ground. However, Hemphill quickly rose again with the knife still in hand, prompting the officers to fire a second time. Hemphill was struck and pronounced dead at the scene. No officers were injured during the incident.

The GBI will continue its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Upon completion, the findings will be handed over to the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office for review.

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