Latest news with #LorraineCochran-Johnson
USA Today
09-08-2025
- USA Today
Officer killed in attack near Emory University leaves behind growing family
Police did not release the officer's name out of respect for the family. But they released some details about his life and how he served his community. He was a father with a growing family and a DeKalb County police officer before a gunman opened fire near Emory University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta. The officer was the sole casualty of the attack on Aug. 8 that ended with the suspected gunman found dead on the second story of a building housing a CVS. The shooter died at the scene from a gunshot wound. It was unclear if it came from officers or was self-inflicted. DeKalb County officials said the officer died responding to the attack. They did not release his name but revealed a few details. "This evening there is a wife without a husband, there are three children, one unborn, without a father," DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson said. "There is a mother and father as well as siblings who also share in this traumatic loss." The shooter's motive and target remained unclear late Friday, Aug. 8. Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said he "fired at law enforcement and potentially the CDC." Officials did not release the shooter's name but Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said that he was a "white male and he's a person known to have interest in some certain things." Emory officials first announced there was an "active shooter" at the CVS store on campus around 4:30 p.m. local time and urged people to "RUN, HIDE, FIGHT. Avoid the area." University officials lifted the shelter in place order at about 6:30 p.m. and Atlanta authorities confirmed shortly after that the shooter had been killed. DeKalb officer gave his life to serve others Dekalb County Police Chief Gregory Padrick said the name and photograph of the officer who died in the attack on Aug. 8 would be released later. He described the officer's actions as the culmination of a career of service. "This officer responded to the call as he did, as he was trained to do, and during that incident he received gunfire and he lost his life in this incident. He was committed to serving the community," Padrick said. "It's a noble profession we all do. We answer the call to serve our community and he gave his life with a commitment to serve others." The chief added: "He should be respected for that." Officer killed was 13th from DeKalb police to die by gunfire The officer killed on Aug. 8 is the 13th DeKalb County officer to die in the line of duty from gunfire, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page, a public database dedicated to paying tribute to officers killed on the job. Officer Edgar Isidro Flores was the last DeKalb officer to be killed by gunfire, according to Officer Down. He was 24 years old when he was fatally shot while conducting a traffic stop in December 2018, according to Officer Down and Fox 5 Atlanta. Sergeant Daniel Marcus Mobley was the most recent to die, according to Officer Down. He was performing a traffic stop and was fatally struck by a driver in 2021, Fox 5 reported. How many officers are killed nationwide? The officer killed on Aug. 8 near Emory University is among scores of law enforcement officers who die in the line of duty each year. Officer Didarul Islam of the New York City Police Department was killed on Monday, July 28, in a shooting at a Manhattan skyscraper. The gunman left four dead, including Islam, and five wounded, before turning the gun on himself, authorities said. Hundreds honored the downed NYPD officer in a service on July 31. Last year, 64 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents, a 6.6% increase from 2023, according to data collected by the FBI. 'Deranged criminals' target Georgians, governor says The DeKalb officer's death came only a day after another mass shooter in Georgia injured five soldiers at Fort Stewart in Liberty County. A fellow soldier carried out the rampage Aug. 7. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp lamented the second shooting in as many days in the Peach State. "Twice this week, deranged criminals have targeted innocent Georgians," Kemp said in a statement. "Each time, brave first responders rushed toward the danger to subdue the shooter and save lives, reminding us of just how crucial they are."
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DeKalb County officials say there are more than $100M in unpaid water bills
DeKalb County officials are responding to advocates who want water shut-offs to stop for low-income residents. The county announced on Wednesday that they are establishing an office to work with those who have difficulty paying their water bill. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Channel 2's Audrey Washington details how the payment plan works, LIVE on Channel 2 Action News at Noon. DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson said the county currently has more than $104,719,000 in delinquent water bills. They say as long as people with hardships communicate with them, they will work on establishing a payment plan without turning off their water service. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DeKalb CEO talks about ‘breaking the model' as she gets ready for first State of the County
Dekalb County's CEO will deliver her first state of the county address Thursday night Lorraine Cochran-Johnson has been on the job just shy of 120 days and is already making history. 'We are breaking the model, or shall I say, we're going beyond that ceiling,' Cochran-Johnson said. Her first State of the County address is already sold out. 'It makes me feel good and it also motivates me because I just feel there's so many people I can't let down, and I owe so much to so many,' Cochran-Johnson said. The former commissioner sat down with Channel 2's Lori Wilson on Wednesday to talk to her about the transition to CEO and if her priorities have changed since taking office. Her answer: an emphatic no. 'I often say I have a PhD. in people and problems,' Cochran-Johnson said. 'The first obligation that we owe to people is a safe environment. Also, at the top of my list has been and remains economic development.' TRENDING STORIES: Another priority for Cochran-Johnson is affordable housing in DeKalb County. 'The American dream has become a dream deferred for a lot of people. Affordable housing isn't affordable, so we have a responsibility to create an environment that allows people to have ownership,' Cochran-Johnson said. During Thursday night's speech, Cochran-Johnson will talk about some of the successes her administration has already had, including hiring a county development director, focusing resources on infrastructure improvements, setting the groundwork to create a DeKalb Police Foundation, getting a bill passed to require surveillance cameras at gas stations and making a multimillion-dollar investment in the recruitment of law enforcement. The CEO told Wilson that this is just the beginning. 'There are so many new things that are on the horizon, right down to a salary and pay grade study. Quality of life. I want DeKalb County and its residents to have the best possible quality of life,' she said.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Decatur announces 2026 FIFA World Cup ‘Watchfest' event
The City of Decatur has big plans when the FIFA World Cup comes to Atlanta next summer. On Tuesday, Decatur city and DeKalb County leaders announced 'Decatur Watchfest' events to coincide with soccer games at the Mercedes-Benz stadium next year. Advertisement Fans will be able to watch the matches at pubs, restaurants, and public spaces. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] 'The World Cup is the equivalent of five Super Bowls. There will be billions of dollars spent and this is going to require an activation across the metro area,' DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson said. The World Cup happens between June 11 and July 19 next summer. Atlanta will host eight games at the stadium. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Yahoo
Operation Safe Streets: DeKalb County police announce new safety checkpoints
The DeKalb County Police Department announced Friday that homicides in the county were down almost 49% but they were taking new steps to deter crime in the community. According to DKPD, they'll be deploying new safety checkpoints in 'high crime areas' to both deter crime and reduce traffic fatalities. The new strategy is being called 'Operation Safe Streets,' according to the police department. The program has already been rolled out, with a checkpoint operation on April 11. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] During the 'aggressive countywide effort' to prevent crime and reckless driving, DKPD's Special Operations Division set up on Memorial Drive near Candler Road for a two-hour checkpoint. At the checkpoint, officers screened drivers for valid driver's licenses, registration, insurance, impaired driving and equipment violations, while passing out traffic safety and educational materials. TRENDING STORIES: 'A long three hours': Local students visiting FSU describe moments mass hooting broke out Police activity at Fulton County motel; part of I-20 blocked Cartersville standoff suspect identified, accused of breaking through wall of neighbor's apartment 'As CEO, public safety is my top priority,' DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson said in a statement. 'Whether it's reducing violent crime or preventing street racing, my administration is committed to supporting proactive policing efforts that keep DeKalb residents safe. The progress we are seeing—particularly the nearly 49% reduction in homicides compared to this time last year—is a testament to the dedication and strategic coordination of our law enforcement agencies.' Over the April 11 weekend, police made six arrests, issued 60 traffic citations and recovered 1.5 pounds of marijuana in addition to seizing multiple vehicles. DKPD said there have been 26 motor vehicle fatalities in the county this year, so far, with the main reasons being impaired driving and speeding. 'This type of operation helps us reduce crashes, identify impaired drivers, and ensure that motorists are operating their vehicles safely and legally,' Interim DKPD Police Chief Gregory Padrick. 'Our goal is not just enforcement—but prevention. We want to stop tragedies before they happen and build stronger relationships with the communities we serve.' County officials said the safety checkpoint also came after a 'successful joint Georgia State Patrol-DeKalb Police operation' that had officers infiltrate an 'organized street racing ring,' which led to 11 arrests, 10 impounded cars, recovery of guns and four people with outstanding felony warrants. Cochran-Johnson said she will do everything she can to be tough on crime in the county and that 'we have too many people living in fear of street racers, car invasions and lawless individuals,' promising to 'double down' on undercover operations. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
