COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Authorities in Cobb County, Georgia, have launched an extensive manhunt for an armed suspect wanted in connection with a murder investigation after an officer involved shooting Tuesday afternoon near Interstate 75. According to the Cobb County Police Department, officers were actively searching for a suspect with an outstanding murder warrant in the area of Leland Drive and Windy Hill Road, just off I-75, at approximately 1:00 p.m.

During the operation, officers located the individual, later identified as 31 year old Damian Strozier. Police reported that during the encounter, Strozier allegedly pointed a handgun at one of the officers. In response, the officer discharged their weapon. The suspect was not apprehended at the scene and fled on foot. No law enforcement personnel were injured. A massive manhunt is now underway.

The Incident: An Officer Involved Shooting

The incident occurred at approximately 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon in the area of Leland Drive and Windy Hill Road in Cobb County, Georgia. This area is located just off Interstate 75, a major highway that runs through the Atlanta metropolitan area. It is a mixed area of residential neighborhoods, apartments, businesses, and wooded areas. Leland Drive and Windy Hill Road are near the border between Cobb County and the city of Atlanta.

According to the Cobb County Police Department, officers were actively searching for a suspect with an outstanding murder warrant. The Atlanta Police Department had issued a murder warrant for Damian Strozier. He was wanted for killing someone. The Cobb County officers were helping to find him.

During the operation, officers located Strozier in the area. They confronted him. They may have ordered him to surrender. Instead, police reported that Strozier allegedly pointed a handgun at one of the officers. He raised the gun. He aimed it at a law enforcement officer. He threatened to kill.

In response, the officer discharged their weapon. The officer fired at Strozier. It is unclear whether the officer hit him. The suspect was not apprehended at the scene. He fled on foot. He ran away. He disappeared into the neighborhood.

No law enforcement personnel were injured during the incident. The officer who fired is safe. The other officers are safe. But Strozier is still out there.

The Suspect: Damian Strozier, 31, Armed and Dangerous

Damian Strozier is 31 years old. He is described as approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing around 135 pounds, with brown eyes. He is a relatively small man, but he is armed. He is considered dangerous.

Strozier is currently wanted by the Atlanta Police Department in connection with a murder case. He is a murder suspect. He is accused of killing someone. Now he has pointed a gun at a police officer and fled. He is a fugitive.

The public should not approach Strozier. He is armed. He is dangerous. Anyone who sees him should call 911 immediately.

The Manhunt: A Massive Search Operation

Following the incident, a significant law enforcement presence was established in the surrounding area as officers, including specialized units, began an intensive search operation. A SWAT team was deployed to the nearby Belmont Place apartment complex, where officers are conducting searches and securing the area. SWAT teams are trained for high risk situations. They are searching apartments, checking hiding spots, and clearing buildings.

Authorities have also been stopping and inspecting vehicles leaving Leland Drive as part of the investigation. Officers are checking cars. They are looking for Strozier. They are asking drivers questions. They are trying to prevent him from escaping.

Search efforts appear to be concentrated around the wooded areas near Rottenwood Creek, located behind the apartment complex, as officers continue to track the suspect’s possible movements. Wooded areas provide cover. Strozier could be hiding in the trees, in the brush, in the creek bed. Officers are searching on foot, with dogs, and possibly with drones or helicopters.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has confirmed it is assisting local authorities in the ongoing search. The FBI has resources that local police do not. They have agents, technology, and expertise. They are helping to find Strozier.

The Community: Residents Urged to Avoid the Area

Officials are urging residents and motorists to avoid the area and use alternate routes while the situation remains active. The manhunt is ongoing. The suspect is still at large. The area around Leland Drive and Windy Hill Road is not safe.

Residents in the area should stay indoors. They should lock their doors. They should report any suspicious activity to police. They should not approach Strozier if they see him.

Motorists should avoid I-75 near the area. Traffic may be backed up. Police may have closed exits or lanes. Drivers should find alternate routes.

The Investigation: Ongoing

The investigation remains active. Police are still searching for Strozier. They have not found him yet. They will continue searching until he is caught.

The officer who fired his weapon will be placed on administrative leave pending investigation. This is standard procedure in officer involved shootings. The officer’s actions will be reviewed. The investigation will determine whether the use of force was justified.

Holding Onto Hope

As the manhunt continues, the family of the murder victim is hoping for justice. They want Strozier to be caught. They want him to face the charges. They want closure.

The officers searching for Strozier are working hard. They are tired. They are determined. They will not give up.

Conclusion: An Armed Suspect on the Run

A manhunt is underway in Cobb County, Georgia, for armed murder suspect Damian Strozier, 31. He allegedly pointed a handgun at a police officer on Leland Drive and Windy Hill Road. The officer fired. Strozier fled on foot. He is considered armed and dangerous. The FBI is assisting. Residents are urged to avoid the area.

If you see Damian Strozier, do not approach him. Call 911 immediately.