OFFICER CLEARED IN SHOOTING DEATH OF ‘REPORTED’ KIDNAPPER

Alleged ‘Victim’ Now Charged with Suspect Pierre George’s Death

Atlanta- After a year-long investigation into the shooting death of a fleeing motorist along Chesire Bridge Road, the District Attorney’s Public Integrity Unit has cleared Atlanta Police Officer Carlos Figueroa of all criminal charges. Jesus Aranda-Galarza, a passenger in the suspect’s car, today was arrested on charges of involuntary manslaughter and false statements, both felonies.

Pierre George was shot and killed following a brief chase and confrontation with Officer Figueroa December 19, 2008. A short time before the incident, unbeknownst to George, the driver, Jesus Aranda-Galarza, a passenger in the car, secretly called 9-1-1 from the back seat using his cell phone and claimed to have been kidnapped at gunpoint by Mr. George. Aranda-Galarza described the vehicle to the police as well as its location. Officer Figueroa spotted the car and attempted to pull it over. George refused to stop and a chase ensued. The officer was eventually able to corner the vehicle in a nearby parking lot. Pierre George then backed the car into the officer’s patrol unit and proceeded to flee from the vehicle. Fearing that George was armed and fleeing the scene of the kidnapping, Officer Figueroa shot the suspect in the chest when he refused the officer’s command to show his hands. George continued to run after being shot but was apprehended a short distance away from the shooting where he died as a result of the gunshot wound to his chest.

The investigation of the incident reveals that Jesus Aranda-Galarza fabricated the kidnapping story and the contention that George was armed. After a thorough examination of the vehicle and the surrounding area, no weapon was ever found. Aranda-Galarza was arrested this afternoon without incident and is being housed in the Fulton County Jail. The District Attorney’s Office will now seek an indictment on the arrest charges.

Media Contact: Yvette Brown, 404-224-0560/404-392-8867, yvette.brown@fultoncountyga.gov