Holly MatkinAtlanta, GA – Clayton County Police Department (CCPD) Officer Henry Laxson was murdered in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance call on Tuesday night.
The incident began at approximately 8:40 p.m. on Nov. 30, when the CCPD received a report of a drive-by shooting in the 3600-block of Jervis Court in Rex, the department said in a press release.
Another caller told police there was a female lying motionless in the yard.
Moments later, a third caller notified the agency that a juvenile male had been shot at a separate location.
By the time the third call came in, officers were on the scene rendering aid to the female victim lying in the yard, the CCPD said.
They were simultaneously searching for the wounded juvenile victim when they suddenly came under fire from an unknown direction, according to police.
Officers spotted the gunman running near a residence and returned fire, WXIA reported.
The suspect then shot at them again, hitting Officer Laxson and CCPD Officer Alex Chandler, WXIA reported.
Police said the gunman was killed during the gun battle.
The woman who was lying on the grass when police arrived died at the scene, and police also found a second deceased female victim nearby, WXIA reported.
The gunman had shot a 12-year-old boy in the face.
The child was rushed to the hospital and is listed in critical, but stable condition the CCPD said.
CCPD Chief Kevin Roberts said during a press conference early Wednesday morning that the wounded boy had actually helped officers by leading them to the location where one of the female victims was located, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Officer Laxson was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is handling the ongoing investigation into the incident, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
“These men and women do an honorable job every day, and it’s unfortunate that we have to make these reports time and time again,” Chief Roberts said. “My heart aches for every police officer and their family that goes through these types of things. These things just shouldn’t happen.”
Officer Laxson was recognized as the CCPD Officer of the Quarter in October of last year, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill said in a Facebook post early Wednesday morning that Officer Laxson was one of the area’s finest officers.
“Officer Henry Laxson was one of Clayton’s finest and unquestionably our very best,” Sheriff Hill wrote. “Laxson far exceeded all expectations of what an ideal police officer should be.”
“I will greatly miss your smile young man,” the sheriff added. “Rest easy son, the brotherhood will continue the watch from here.”
“Officer Henry Laxson was one of Clayton’s finest and unquestionably our very best. Laxson far exceeded all expectations of what an ideal police officer should be. I will greatly miss your smile young man. Rest easy son, the brotherhood will continue the watch from here”. pic.twitter.com/KubLkeeUKj
— SheriffVictorHill (@SheriffVHill) December 1, 2021
.@ClaytonCountyPD Officer Henry Laxson was killed in the line of duty last night in a situation where multiple others also died by the gunman. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, colleagues, and friends. Laxson is said to be one of Clayton’s finest and best officers. pic.twitter.com/26wu1xZIPr
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) December 1, 2021
UPDATE: This is field training officer Henry Laxson. He was shot and killed in the line of duty overnight. SWAT officer Alex Chandler was also shot in the hand, he’s expected to be okay. Chief Kevin Roberts says this entire incident is senseless & should’ve never happened. @wsbtv pic.twitter.com/v7bqKLJXDp
— Kristen Holloway (@KHollowayWSB) December 1, 2021
Our hearts and prayers go out to the Clayton County Police Department, Field Training Officer Henry Laxson, his family & his work family. FTO Laxson gave his life protecting the citizens of Clayton County. pic.twitter.com/Ghx4Jk13HZ
— Johns Creek PD (@JohnsCreekPD) December 1, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Clayton County Police Department Officer Henry Laxson, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Officer Henry Laxson, your life mattered.
Sandy Malone
