Eric Holmes
Date: 11/21/2022 Location: Morrow, GA FACTORS (1,2,8,17)
Name: Eric Holmes
Criminal History/Involved: Unknown. / Yes, Holmes was in possession of a stolen vehicle and fled from police.
Mental Illness: None stated, but his actions in this incident were not normal.
Substance Abuse History/Involved: Unknown. / None stated.
Race/Sex/Age: Black/Male/19
Officer(s) involved: Clayton County Police Officer Justin Stephens
What prompted the initial contact with police? At around 11:40 a.m. on November 21, 2022, Clayton County Police Officer Justin Stephens responded to a parking lot of a commercial business to investigate a possible stolen car that was left there unoccupied.
Actions taken by subject towards police: As PO Stephens was conducting his investigation, Eric Holmes approached him and was subsequently asked if he knew that the vehicle was stolen. After disclosing to the officer that he was not aware of that, Holmes “abruptly walked away, entered the stolen car and started the engine.”
Reactions by the police: Upon seeing Holmes enter the stolen vehicle and prepare to drive it, PO Stephens ordered him several times to stop. When Holmes refused to comply and instead drove off in the stolen vehicle, PO Stephens shot at Holmes several times, fatally hitting him.
Outcome of investigation into the fatal police incident: The Georgia Bureau of Investigations is investigating the shooting.
What could the subject have done that day to still be alive today? Holmes could still be alive today if he: did not interject himself into the officer’s investigation; did not knowingly enter the stolen vehicle and drive off against the officer’s lawful commands.
Miscellaneous: Two handguns were recovered from the stolen vehicle but it has not been reported if they were registered to Holmes and lawfully possessed by him. PO Stephens resigned on December 19, 2022, “in lieu of termination.”
Justified Use of Deadly Force? NO, while Holmes was committing a felony by driving away in a stolen vehicle, unless PO Stephens had reasonable cause to believe Holmes presented an immediate danger to someone’s life if he got away, he was not justified in using deadly force to stop him – which is likely why he resigned.
