Officer Wrestles Gun From Suspect In Intense Foot Pursuit

On 2/12/24, at around 5:19 pm, Atlanta Police encountered a male that they had observed engaging in apparent drug sales outside of 1981 Joseph E Boone. Blvd. NW. As officers spoke with the male to investigate the activity, he fled the scene on foot, leading to a short foot pursuit. The officer ultimately caught up to the suspect but while attempting to detain him, the suspect physically resisted. During the struggle, the officer observed that the suspect was reaching for a firearm that he was concealing. The officer was able to wrestle the weapon away from the suspect, who discharged a round in the process.

Shortly after additional officers arrived at the scene and took the suspect into custody without further incident. The handgun recovered from the suspect was found to have been equipped with a machinegun conversion device (commonly referred to as a switch).

The suspect was identified as Damarion Florence (born in 2005). He was charged with Felony Obstruction, Possession of a Machine Gun, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Possession of Marijuana, and Reckless Conduct

Both the officer and the Mr. Florence were uninjured, but the suspect was transported to Grady detention for precautionary measures.