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‘Armed and dangerous’ suspect accused of shooting 2 DeKalb County deputies killed in shootout

The suspect wanted in a shooting that injured two DeKalb County deputies has been shot dead, authorities said.

The incident began 7:30 a.m. Wednesday when the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office said Edward Allen Gatling shot two deputies who were serving an aggravated assault with intent to murder arrest warrant at a home on Wellington Circle in Lithonia.

DeKalb County Deputy Chief Randy Akies said one deputy was hit in the leg and the other was hit abdomen. Both of the injured investigators were taken to DeKalb Medical Center, where they were conscious and alert. They were later taken to Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment. The deputies were identified as Ja’rad Hunt and Aaron Jackson.

We’re working to learn more about this developing story -- Stay with 95.5 WSB for updates.

This afternoon, authorities said someone from the community called and said that someone was hiding in the woods. Officers caught sight of the Gatling and gunfire was exchanged and Gatling was killed. Video from NewsChopper2 showed Gatling’s body in a heavily wooded area.

Multiple law enforcement agencies were involved in the search for Gatling, who authorities said was “armed and dangerous.” DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox announced a stern warning for Gatling.

“Mr. Gatling, we know you’re out there, we see you. The community sees you. Know you will be brought to custody,” Maddox said.

Lithonia High School, Miller Grove High School, Bethune Middle School, Miller Grove Middle School, Marbut Elementary School, Panola Way Elementary School, Stoneview Elementary School, and Woodridge Elementary School were placed on a level two lockdown. DeKalb deputies are present at each school.

Covington Highway was shut down between Phillips Road and DeKalb Medical Parkway.

This is the second shooting involving metro Atlanta officer in just 24 hours. A Clayton County police officer was killed and another was injured in a shooting that left two women and the suspect dead.

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