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Georgia police officer fatally shoots unarmed, naked black man

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A white Georgia police officer fatally shot an unarmed, naked African-American man Monday who officials said was described as deranged.

The shooting took place about 1 p.m. when officers were responding to a report of a suspicious person at an apartment complex in DeKalb County, just east of Atlanta, said Capt. Stephen Fore, spokesman for the county police.

“The suspect was described as acting kind of deranged and running around the complex,” Fore said. “Before officers arrived, another call came in that the man removed all his clothes and was still running around.”

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The responding officer, a seven-year veteran, found the man. The man “charged” the officer once he got out of his patrol car, Fore said, and “the officer discharged two rounds” from his gun.

The man was struck twice and died at the scene, Fore said, adding that the officer had immediately tried to render aid.

The man did not have a weapon, Fore said. Police did not identify the man or the officer.

The officer was equipped with a Taser, said DeKalb County Police Chief Cedric Alexander.

The slain man lived in the apartment complex, Alexander said.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is handling the case. It is being done at the request of Alexander, who said he wanted transparency.

“I have requested and I have spoken with the GBI director, and the GBI is going to take point on this investigation, and we here at DeKalb County police will provide any support that they may need,” Alexander said during a news conference.

The officer involved in the shooting has been put on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

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