Man killed after pointing gun at Cobb officers, GBI says

Officers set up a perimeter around a home, and Hermelindo Morete-Dista, 27, of Guatemala, exited with a firearm, according to investigators.

“Upon arrival, officers encountered a male subject armed with a handgun,” police said. “Officers issued multiple verbal commands instructing the individual to drop the weapon. The subject did not comply. Officers on scene subsequently discharged their firearms.”

Several officers fired at Morete-Dista, who was struck multiple times and died at the scene, according to police. No officers were injured.

The GBI was asked to conduct an investigation into the shooting. The state agency typically investigates shootings involving officers.

Credit: Ben Hendren

Credit: Ben Hendren

According to the GBI, Morete-Dista had an “active removal order” from the U.S. No details were released about how long he had been in the country or what led to the order.

Monday’s shooting was the 12th incident this year involving officers statewide, according to the GBI. It was the second involving Cobb officers.

On Jan. 28, a woman was shot at police headquarters on Fairground Street after she pointed a gun at an officer, officials previously said.

Rebekah Patterson, 26, of Marietta, entered the building and asked to speak to an officer, according to the GBI. She met the officer outside, and “during the conversation, Patterson pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the officer,” the agency said.

Officers shot Patterson, who was critically injured in the incident, investigators said.