A DeKalb County police officer who had been with the department for less than two years was killed in the line of duty Thursday night following what turned into a violent traffic stop.
DeKalb County Police Officer Edgar Isidro Flores, 24, was fatally shot during a traffic stop along Candler Road. He was hired by the police department in May 2017.
the shooting happened around 5 p.m. along Candler Road in DeKalb County.
Police said the male officer had pulled over a suspect when the suspect ran from the traffic stop and opened fire, hitting the officer.
DeKalb County Police Chief James Conroy made the tragic announcement just after 8:30 p.m. Thursday.
"I have very sad news to report this evening..." the chief said, giving a long pause to fight back his visible emotions. "Sad, sad news to report this evening. A DeKalb County Police officer died this evening while serving in the line of duty serving the citizens of DeKalb County."
The suspect ran and hid behind a business on Candler Road, he was tracked by a police dog which was also shot and in critical conditions.
nearby officers promptly exchanged fire with the suspect who was struck several times.
The suspect received several gunshot wounds, was transported to an area hospital where he later died. The chief said they couldn't release the name of the suspect, but said he was in his 20s to 30s.
