According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), on the night of October 11–12, 2025, an off-duty officer from the Atlanta Police Department (working a secondary job) responded to a security request at a bar near Irby Ave

• According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), on the night of October 11–12, 2025, an off-duty officer from the Atlanta Police Department (working a secondary job) responded to a security request at a bar near Irby Ave. NW & Caine Hill Place NW in Atlanta. Georgia Bureau of Investigation+3https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com+3FOX 5 Atlanta+3

• The officer encountered Blackwell, age 44 of Atlanta. Georgia Bureau of Investigation+1

• The GBI says Blackwell walked from the argument toward a parking lot, entered a vehicle, then placed an item in the small of his back. The officer gave commands relating to a gun, then discharged his weapon. A handgun was later recovered at the scene. Georgia Bureau of Investigation+2CBS News+2

• Blackwell was pronounced dead at the scene. CBS News+1

• Blackwell’s family says he was shot 14 times, including several shots entering his back, according to an autopsy they viewed. WSB-TV Channel 2 – Atlanta

⚠️ Important Unanswered / Contested Issues

• The GBI has not publicly released all forensic details (e.g., how many shots were fired, exactly how many hit Blackwell, full autopsy report).

• It is not publicly confirmed whether the recovered handgun belonged to Blackwell or someone else. Capital B Atlanta+1

• The officer’s name and full account of what happened (including audio/video evidence, witness statements) are not fully disclosed in the public articles.

• The family disputes the justification and believes accountability is needed — they contest that the use of deadly force was not warranted given the trajectory and number of shots. WSB-TV Channel 2 – Atlanta

🔍 What Happens Next

• The GBI is conducting an independent investigation. Georgia Bureau of Investigation+1

• After the GBI completes its investigation, the case file will be submitted to the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office for review to determine whether charges should be filed. AJC+1

• The family and community appear poised to monitor the process closely and demand transparency.

🧭 Takeaways

• The incident raises serious concerns: multiple shots, shots to the back, and an off-duty officer acting in a secondary job environment.

• At the same time, law enforcement claims blackwell made a motion to place an item (possibly a firearm) at his back, which triggered the encounter.

• Because the case is still under investigation, definitive legal judgments (e.g., “justified” vs “unjustified” use of force) cannot yet be made based on the public record.

• If you’re following this case or want to advocate for accountability, you may want to pay attention to:

  • When the GBI investigation concludes and the timing of release of key evidence.

  • Whether the DA’s office will file charges, and if so what they are.

  • Whether there is body-cam, security camera, or bystander video evidence.

  • Independent autopsy or forensic review (if family obtains it) and the trajectory and number of shots fired.