Councilman's Daughter Shot, Killed Working Lyft In Lithonia: Report

LITHONIA, GA — The daughter of a Peachtree Corners councilman, who was a Lyft driver, was shot and killed Monday night after a man got into an altercation with her passenger, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The outlet reported Lauren Allen, 31, the daughter of Peachtree Corners Councilman Joe Sawyer, was found dead in her car around 8:30 p.m. in the area of Cedar Croft Court.

A passenger she had dropped off got into a fight with an armed man, the AJC reported, adding the man shot several times into Allen's car, killing her.

The GBI said Tuesday that DeKalb County officers were called to the scene on a homicide call.

Police saw the man armed with a rifle less than a mile away from a nearby gas station, the GBI said.

The man is accused of shooting at the officers, causing damage to several patrol cars and a civilian's car, the GBI said. DeKalb officers shot back at the man, and he died at the scene, the GBI said.

An officer had minor injuries from the shooting, the GBI said.

The GBI identified the man as Lerelle Chatman, 23, of Lithonia.

“Our hearts go out to Councilman Sawyer and his family,” City of Peachtree Corners spokesperson Louis Svehla told the AJC. “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.”

DeKalb County officials released a statement on Twitter.

"DeKalb County offers its most heartfelt condolences to Peachtree Corners Councilman Joe Sawyer and the family of Lauren Sawyer, who was tragically killed last night. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who knew and loved her," DeKalb officials said in the tweet.

Peachtree Corners Councilwoman Lorri Christopher asked for prayers for Allen's family on Facebook.

“I am so sorry to learn that my dear friend and fellow council member, Joe Sawyer’s daughter Lauren, was shot and killed in Lithonia. Please keep him and his family in your prayers during this trying time," Christopher wrote in the post.

Read more via the AJC.