Georgian man allegedly stabbed off-duty Atlanta police officer after hit-and-run
Authorities are on the lookout for a man accused of stabbing an off-duty Atlanta police officer following a hit-and-run incident over the weekend. The altercation occurred around 6 p.m. on Saturday in DeKalb County, Georgia, after a hit-and-run on Interstate 20 Eastbound near Panola Road.
According to the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office via FOX 5 Atlanta, a driver in a Dodge Charger collided with a Chevy Silverado before fleeing the scene. The driver of the Silverado, who was later identified as an off-duty Atlanta police officer, decided to follow the Charger into Rockdale County to gather license plate information.
The two drivers ended up in a parking lot where a verbal argument ensued. The situation quickly escalated, leading to the suspect, identified as 37-year-old Justin Perry Hurst, allegedly stabbing the officer multiple times. Hurst then fled the scene and is currently at large.
Hurst’s last known vehicle is a white 2019 VW Passat with Georgia tag CWC3082. Authorities consider him armed and dangerous and believe he has connections to the Alpharetta area. The injured officer was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta for treatment. Thankfully, he was alert, conscious, and breathing, and has since been discharged from the hospital.
Individuals with any information related to this case are urged to contact local law enforcement. A reward of up to $2,000 is being offered for information leading to Hurst’s capture. The Atlanta Police Department has expressed solidarity with the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office in the pursuit of the suspect and encourages anyone with knowledge of Hurst’s whereabouts to reach out to CrimeStoppers or the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office.
