24-year-old officer killed, K9 injured in shooting after traffic stop turns into chase: Police

The suspect was shot several times and also died.

December 14, 2018, 1:15 PM

Police in Georgia are mourning the loss of a 24-year-old officer who was shot dead after a traffic stop turned into a foot chase Thursday night, authorities said.

Dekalb County Police Chief James Conroy was overcome with emotion when he announced that officer Edgar Flores, who was with the department for less than two years, "died in the line of duty serving the citizens of Dekalb County."

The deadly shooting began when Flores conducted a traffic stop and the driver fled on foot, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) said.

Officers at the scene where a DeKalb County police officer was shot and killed during a traffic stop, Dec. 13, 2018.
WSB-TV
Officers at the scene where a DeKalb County police officer was shot and killed during a traffic stop, Dec. 13, 2018.
WSB-TV

The suspect, 33-year-old Brandon Taylor, shot Flores multiple times, the GBI said.

Flores died at a local hospital.

DeKalb County Police Officer Edgar Isidro Flores who was gunned down after a traffic stop and foot chase east of Atlanta, Dec. 13, 2018.
Dekalb County Police Department via AP

When other officers raced to the scene, a police K9 helped track down Taylor, who was found hiding in a pile of tires behind a business, the GBI said.

Taylor shot the 7-year-old dog, named Indi, officials said. Indi, who has five years of service, was in stable condition on Friday, the GBI said.

DeKalb County K9 Officer Indi, was shot on duty, Dec. 13, 2018. He is in stable condition. Indi is 7 years old and has 5 years of service.
Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Several officers returned fire at Taylor, who was shot and also died, Conroy said.

Governor-elect Brian Kemp tweeted about the slain officer, writing, "We are forever grateful for his service and sacrifice."

Law enforcement departments are also expressing their condolences.