Deputy James Thomas was killed inside his car while off duty sometime around 4:30 a.m. on Thursday morning. Thomas, who was 24 years old, was found fatally shot in his car in northwest Atlanta. Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat praised Thomas as an exemplary officer with a magnetic personality, describing him as “the life of the party” and a “good spirit.” Labat personally hired Thomas from a different law enforcement agency south of Atlanta.
As reported on Fox 5 Atlanta, www.fox5atlanta.com, police continue to search for the shooter/killer. “According to authorities, officers were called to the scene at around 4:30 a.m. after reports of a person shot. They found a car that had been in a crash with the victim still inside.”
As reported, a driver of a van who allegedly heard gunshots has been questioned by Atlanta police investigators. The van driver is “cooperating with investigators and police don’t believe that person is linked to the shooting.”
Atlanta police investigator Peter Malecki informed that the driver of the van “observed Thomas’ vehicle kind of driving erratically in the middle of the road on Bolton Road.”. Malecki elaborated: “When they (in the van) went to pass that vehicle is when they believe they heard gunfire.” At this time, the police are “unclear” whether the Thomas was shot before or after the crash.
Malecki added: “Right now, we do not know if the shooter was a pedestrian on foot or if he was perhaps in another vehicle.” A reward for information leading to an arrest has been offered, and has been recently increased to $30,000. The Fox 5 report concludes with an appeal to any person having information about the shooting to call the Atlanta Police Department or Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS(8477) or submit a tip online at crimestoppersatlanta.org.