McDonough, GA (December 6, 2018) – On Thursday, December 6, 2018, the Henry County Police Department (HCPD) requested GBI to conduct an officer involved shooting investigation that occurred at a business located at 378 Jonesboro Road in McDonough, GA. Preliminary information indicates employees of the business called 911 at approximately 8:07 am to report a man making a disturbance at the location. An HCPD officer 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. At some point during the struggle, one shot was fired, striking both McNelly and the officer. McNelly was pronounced deceased at the scene and will be transported to the GBI for autopsy, scheduled for Friday, December 7. The officer was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital and is currently listed in critical condition.

The officer is identified as Police Officer II Michael Smith 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.

Contact Information:

Natalie Ammons - Public Affairs Deputy Director