Georgia police officer killed in 'ambush-style attack' on his first day of duty; suspect arrested
10/11/2021 11:43 am PDT
ALAMO, Ga. (TCD) -- A 26-year-old part-time police officer was shot and killed outside the station during his first shift early Saturday morning.
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, on Friday night, Officer Dylan Harrison stopped someone for a traffic violation in the Circle K parking lot across the street from the Alamo Police Department. When Harrison asked the man for his name, he refused and allegedly shoved Harrison. Harrison reportedly tried arresting the man. He ultimately had to use his Taser because the man "did not comply."
The man, who was not named, was transported to Wheeler County Jail.
Hours later, Harrison was fatally shot outside the Alamo Police Department at 1:01 a.m. The suspect, 43-year-old Damien Ferguson, was taken into custody Sunday just before 2:30 p.m. while executing a search warrant at his residence, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Ferguson was reportedly charged with murder and aggravated stalking.
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, GBI Special Agent Lindsey Wilkes said the man arrested during the traffic stop is a "known associate of Damien Ferguson."
Wilkes added, "It is believed that the ambush-style attack on Officer Harrison was retaliation for the incident and arrest of the man on Friday night at the Circle K."
Harrison reportedly worked as a full-time Oconee Drug Task Force agent in Dodge County.
He is survived by his wife and 6-month-old son.
MORE: