Off-duty officer involved in shooting outside movies ATL in SW Atlanta

ATLANTA -- Atlanta police said an off-duty officer was involved in a shooting outside a movie theater on Princeton Lakes Parkway in southwest Atlanta on Thursday night.

Moviegoers watched as investigators searched the movie theater parking lot moments after gunfire erupted.

Police said an off-duty officer working security at Movies ATL on Princeton Lakes Parkway put the brakes on an attempted carjacking.

”He observed an altercation in the south end of the parking lot and intercepted the altercation, said Maj. Rodney Bryant of the Atlanta Police Department.

Investigators said the officer opened fire when one of the three suspects pointed a gun at him.

Police said the officer did not hit the suspect, but made an arrest.

”At this point it has been determined that the officer did fire his weapon, said Bryant.

Police said the carjackers pistol-whipped the victim, who managed to drive away but soon crashed.

Police found the victim and the car about a mile from the theater on Camp Creek Parkway off Interstate 285.

”This is pretty much a safe neighborhood. You don’t see police cars or anything, said one moviegoer.

Police said officers continue to look for two other suspects.

Officials said officers did recover a weapon at the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS.