Atlanta officer Tahreem Zeus Rana arrested for murder in Hapeville, attempted to flee to Mexico

Investigators tell reporters that an Atlanta police officer tried to flee to Mexico on Thursday, after he was charged with the murder of a 26-year-old.

Warrants for Tahreem Zeus Rana were issued earlier this week. He is charged with kidnapping, arson, and the murder of Veronica Woodard.

Hapeville police said Rana and Woodard met on Craigslist for a "romantic exchange" and the night she was killed was the first time they had met in person.

Veicia Woodard

CBP officers, Atlanta Police and HSI identified Rana in the boarding area and took him into custody. Rana did not resist arrest. CBP and Atlanta Police took Rana to the Hapeville Police Department.

The Atlanta Police Department released the following statement:

"We are shocked and saddened by these developments. The officer has been relieved from duty, and is in a non-enforcement status. Chief Tuer will schedule an emergency hearing immediately today to determine the next course of action. We must allow the justice system to run its course. These clearly are very disturbing allegations that are not in line with the expectations we have for our officers, and will be immediately dealt with."

Woodard's body was located by a city employee. Hapeville police arrived on scene and noticed her body was on fire.

The Hapeville Police Department requested the assistance of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation in order to process the crime scene.

Investigators said Woodard was also shot multiple times.