Man dead following standoff with Cobb County police

MABLETON, Ga. (CBS46) – A man is dead and an investigation is underway following a lengthy standoff with Cobb County police Thursday night.

At around 8:30 p.m., a heavy police presence could be seen along the 4000 block of Hicks Road in Mableton. According to the Cobb County police chief, officers responded to reports of a man attempting to end his life. They were informed that the man, identified by the GBI as 23-year-old Tavis Carithers, had allegedly fired a weapon inside the home at family members. The chief said children were among those in the house.

When officers arrived, police say Carithers began shooting at them, at which point they responded with gunfire and the man retreated back into the home. A standoff ensued at which point SWAT was called to assist.

The GBI said Carithers entered the garage and again fired at officers, who returned fire, hitting him.

Carithers was found dead in the garage.

Police Chief Stuart Vanhoozer spoke with CBS46 saying he wished the outcome could’ve been different.

“Obviously this is not how we want these situations to turn out. We are also cognizant and aware of the pain and trauma that individuals in this house just went through. There were children and other adults that will, of course, struggle with this.”

Chief Vanhoozer said no officers or other family members were injured.

This is the 51st officer-involved shooting the GBI has been called to investigate so far in 2022.

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