Fatal shooting leaves one dead and Georgia police officer in critical condition

One single gunshot killed one man and critically wounded a Georgia police officer after a struggle between the two men.

On Thursday, December 6, 2018, the Henry County Police Department (HCPD) requested GBI to conduct an officer-involved shooting investigation that occurred at a local dentist office off Jonesboro Road in McDonough, GA.

An employee of the dentist office called 911 at approximately 8:07 am to report a man making a disturbance at the location.

An HCPD officer, Michael Smith, arrived on the scene and made contact with the subject, identified as Dimaggio McNelly, 53, of McDonough.

After speaking with McNelly, McNelly became combative and the officer deployed his Taser on him more than once. The Taser was ineffective.

McNelly lunged at the officer and a struggle ensued. During the struggle, one shot was fired, striking both McNelly and Officer Smith. Officer Smith was struck in the face, according to updated news reports. It is not known who fired the gun at this time.

McNelly was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the GBI for autopsy, scheduled for Friday, December 7.

Officer Michael Smith was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital and is currently listed in critical condition. Officer Smith, who the rank of Officer 2, and has been with the department since 2011.

The GBI will conduct its independent investigation. Once complete, it will be turned over to the Henry County District Attorney’s Office for review.