Crime & Safety
Man With Knife Threatening To Harm Himself Killed By Police: GBI
State authorities said the man, who was holding a knife, was reportedly suicidal. He allegedly "advanced towards officers" with the knife.
MARIETTA, GA — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating a shooting involving Cobb County Police Department officers, which left one man dead.
Just after midnight Friday, Cobb County police responded to the 4500 block of North Landing Drive in Marietta following reports of "a domestic dispute regarding a suicidal man," GBI investigators said.
Officers found Matthew Joseph Wilbanks, 41, of Marietta, armed with a knife. He then "advanced towards officers while holding the knife," GBI investigators said, and an officer fired his gun at Wilbanks, striking him.
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Wilbanks died on the scene. No officers were injured during the incident.
The GBI will conduct an independent investigation as requested by the CCPD, as per standard protocol. Once completed, the investigation will be turned over to the Cobb County District Attorney's Office for review.
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Anyone who is struggling can get help by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or by texting HOME to 741741.
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