Rapper, 2 Others Fatally Shot Outside Atlanta Nightclub: Police

ATLANTA, GA — Three people were killed and three others injured in a shooting outside an Atlanta nightclub early Friday morning. According to the Atlanta Police Department, one of the victims killed is popular rapper Dayvon Bennett, who goes by the stage name "King Von."

"We are seeing rumors being spread indicating he was shot and killed by APD officers," the department said in a statement to media. "At this time, our investigators believe Mr. Bennett was shot during the initial shootout between the two groups of males, prior to police responding and attempting to stop the shooting."

Around 3:20 a.m., police said two off-duty Atlanta police officers were working an extra job at Monaco Hookah Lounge, which is at 255 Trinity Ave SW. The officers were in uniform and a marked APD vehicle with its blue lights activated for visibility was parked nearby.

Police said the officers were outside the lounge when two groups of men started to argue with each other. The argument quickly escalated to gunfire between the two groups.

One of the off-duty officers, along with an on-duty Atlanta police officer who was patrolling nearby, confronted the shooters and shots were fired during the encounter, police said.

Three suspects were located on-scene with gunshot wounds and were transported to the hospital by EMS, according to the police department. Three other suspects left the scene and were taken to the hospital by private vehicles. Two additional suspects were detained on scene.

"At this time, our investigators believe Mr. Bennett was shot during the initial shootout between the two groups of males, prior to police responding and attempting to stop the shooting," police said. "Additionally, Mr. Bennett was not located at the scene, but arrived at a hospital shortly after the shooting, via private vehicle."

Policer said three of the people shot following the altercation have died as a result of their wounds and three others are being treated in area hospitals. The officers were not injured.

Because officers were involved in the shooting, APD requested the assistance of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Atlanta police homicide investigators responded to the scene and are investigating the fatal shootings. Police said part of the investigation will include determining which people were struck by gunfire from the suspects and whether any were struck by gunfire from the officers.

Charges are anticipated against the two suspects detained on-scene and additional charges are likely as the investigation continues, police said.