Ellenwood Man Dies In Shooting Involving Atlanta Officers

EAST ATLANTA, GA — A man accused of shooting at Atlanta police officers Thursday afternoon died after officers shot him in the 1100 block of Memorial Drive, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

The GBI identified the man as Ainsley Popwell Jr., 34, of Ellenwood.

The incident started around 1:15 p.m. in the 200 block of Moreland Avenue, where it was reported to police Popwell was seen loading a gun, the GBI said. After matching the description given to police, a responding officer tried to approach Popwell.

The GBI accused Popwell of shooting at the officer, and then, running from the area and entering a Memorial Drive gas station. Additional Atlanta police officers responded and waited outside of the gas station.

Popwell was accused of leaving the gas station, shooting and running. Officers returned fire and shot Popwell, the GBI said. He received medical assistance and died at Grady Memorial Hospital, the GBI said.

No officers were injured in the shooting, the GBI said. Once the GBI investigation is complete, the case will be given to the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office for review.

This is the 34th shooting involving an officer the GBI has been asked to investigate this year.