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(NEXSTAR) – A police officer lost their life, and a suspected shooter is deceased following an active shooting incident near the neighboring campuses of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Emory University in Atlanta on Friday.
No civilian injuries have been reported, although several bullets struck buildings on the extensive CDC campus, according to Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum.
One officer was critically injured after being hit by gunfire while responding to the scene, DeKalb County Police Chief Gregory Patrick reported Friday evening.
The incident occurred at a CVS Pharmacy situated at Emory Point, which is close to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters, also located in Atlanta.
Atlanta police have confirmed the shooter, who was armed with a long gun, is now deceased. DeKalb County Police indicated the gunman was discovered on the second floor of a building situated across the street from the CDC.
“We do not know at this time whether that was from officers or if it was self-inflicted,” Schierbaum stated. A white car with an open trunk is part of the investigation and is being examined, but it remains uncertain whether it belonged to the suspect.
Authorities said there is no longer a threat to the public. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said the man’s motive is not known because the investigation is still in the “preliminary stages.”
Staff at a nearby deli said they heard what sounded like a string of gunshots. “It sounded like fireworks going off, one right after the other,” said Brandy Giraldo, the chief operating officer of The General Muir restaurant.
On Friday night, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said that it was the second time this week “deranged criminals have targeted innocent Georgians, referring to the shooting at Fort Stewart.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.