ATLANTA — A Georgia State Patrol spokesperson said a trooper was shot and killed late Monday night.Trooper Chadwick LeCroy died after a shooting on Hightower Road and Saint Paul Avenue in northwest Atlanta just after 11 p.m.
Not far from the scene, officers said they found a gun they believe was used in the shooting.One person is in custody.“The violator has been identified and we do have a suspect in custody at this time,” said Mark McDonough of the Georgia State Patrol.
Police said the man in custody pulled the trigger and killed LeCroy, 38, during a traffic stop.“A small chase ensued where the violator wrecked,” said McDonough.Officers said the man crashed on Hightower Road. Police said LeCroy approached the man’s car and the two got into a fight.
“Shots were fired. Our trooper was struck multiple times and is deceased because of those wounds,” said McDonough.Officials said LeCroy was shot twice in the face by the man and passed away from his injuries while being transported to Grady Memorial Hospital.
Police said after the shooting, the man jumped into the trooper’s squad car and ditched it several blocks away near Gun Club Drive.Georgia Bureau of Investigation agents found a gun, believed to be the one used in the slaying, on top of an apartment building roof.
The man’s name has not yet been released.Officials with the Georgia State Patrol said LeCroy is the first trooper to be killed by gunfire in 35 years.LeCroy leaves behind a wife and two sons.
