Officer shot and killed in 'ambush' 20 miles outside Atlanta; suspected wounded, police say

FAIRBURN, Ga. – Authorities say a police officer has been shot and killed in an ambush outside Atlanta.

Fulton County Assistant Police Chief Gary Stiles tells WXIA-TV that the shooting happened around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday near Fairburn, about 20 miles southwest of Atlanta.

Stiles says police were responding to reports of someone shooting a gun in the neighborhood and were ambushed without warning while trying to protect the residents.

Authorities say the officer died shortly after 4:30 a.m. Wednesday at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta.

Officials also say the suspect was wounded by police. His condition wasn't immediately available.

Fulton County Police Chief Cassandra Jones tells WSB-TV that the officer, whose name wasn't released, was a 28-year veteran of the force. She called the death devastating and asked for prayers for the officer's family.