Authorities Search for Man Accused of Stabbing Off-Duty Atlanta Police Officer
A manhunt is underway for 37-year-old Justin Perry Hurst, who is accused of stabbing an off-duty Atlanta police officer multiple times during a confrontation after a hit-and-run incident on Saturday.
The incident occurred at around 6 p.m. on Interstate 20 Eastbound near Panola Road in DeKalb County, Georgia, when a driver in a Dodge Charger struck a Chevy Silverado and fled the scene. The driver of the Silverado, who was later identified as an off-duty Atlanta police officer, followed the suspect into Rockdale County to collect the license plate information.
The two drivers pulled into a parking lot, where a verbal confrontation took place. The argument escalated, and Hurst allegedly stabbed the officer multiple times. He then fled the scene and has yet to be located.
The officer was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta for treatment and was later released from the hospital.
Hurst’s last known vehicle was a white 2019 VW Passat with Georgia tag CWC3082. He is considered to be armed and dangerous and has ties to the Alpharetta area.
A reward of up to $2,000 is available for information leading to Hurst’s capture. Anyone with information is urged to contact local law enforcement.
The Atlanta Police Department is standing in solidarity with the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office to ensure that Hurst is apprehended.