GBI Reports A Kidnapping Suspect Who Shot A K-9 Officer Was Dead By Police

Deputies have been looking for Geoffrey Frank Walker, 30, of Rome, since Wednesday after identifying him as the suspect in a family violence incident that happened Oct. 11 at the Cartersville Walmart on Market Place Boulevard.

According to the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, he was also sought for another family violence and obstruction incident in Floyd County earlier that day.

Walker is six feet four inches tall and weighs 180 pounds. He has gold bleached short spiked hair and was last seen wearing gold/khaki jeans, a white shirt, and a black and grey jacket.

Walker allegedly fled when officers noticed his automobile and attempted to stop him over on Thursday afternoon. According to witnesses, cops drove into the automobile, driving it off the road at a truck stop along Interstate 75 in Cartersville. Walker then fled the automobile.

Deputies say they heard gunfire and discovered K-9 Officer Athos hurt when he attempted to apprehend him.  The dog is presently being treated for his injuries and is expected to live.

Witnesses on the site confirm what those sources said.

According to one of the truck stop employees, it occurred directly in front of him and his father, who was dropping him off.

“He took off running into the woods, and the cops and my father were chasing after him because he pulled out in front of us.” So he began sprinting away towards the woods.”

Officers say they located Walker about 4:45 p.m. Friday at a motel in DeKalb County after searching for him for almost a day.

After being apprehended, Walker led authorities on a pursuit through many areas, finally ending up in the woods near a sanitation station off Leroy Scott Drive.

Officers told Walker to drop his pistol, but he refused and discharged his firearm, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Multiple cops returned fire, killing Walker on the spot.

Walker’s death is being investigated by a medical examiner.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is conducting an independent investigation into the incident. Once finished, their findings will be sent to the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office.

The GBI has been requested to examine 79 officer-involved shootings this year.