Two Atlanta Police Officers killed in helicopter crash

Two Atlanta Police officers have died in a helicopter crash while searching for a missing 9-year-old boy in northwest Atlanta.

Atlanta Police Chief George Tuer spoke briefly during a press conference around 1:20 a.m. He said the department is doing everything it can to support the families of the two fallen officers.

Chief Tuer said the two aviation officers were flying in the area of Hamilton E. Holmes and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. looking for a 9-year-old boy who was reported to have runaway earlier in the evening. He said the helicopter was flying low at the time when it clipped power lines causing the helicopter to crash. He said both officers died upon impact.

The child was later found safe.

No one on the ground was injured as a result of the accident.

The NTSB and FAA are currently investigating the deadly accident with the Atlanta Police Department assisting in a support role.

The chief said he would not be releasing the names of the officers later Sunday.

"Losing an officer is the most difficult thing a police chief can face," said Chief George Tuer. "Losing two is an unthinkable tragedy. Our hearts go out to the families of these officers and our thoughts and prayers are with them. This is a difficult day for the APD family and it is a reminder of their bravery and the sacrifices made by our officers every day."

He called upon the citizens of the city of Atlanta to pray for the officers, their families, and the department.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed also expressed his condolences through the following statement early Sunday moing:

"I am deeply saddened by the terrible accident that claimed the lives of two on-duty Atlanta Police Department officers. We mou these two brave men and offer our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones. We also pause to extend our sympathy to the men and women of the police department who place their lives in harm's way every day to keep our city safe, and who especially feel the pain of this loss."

Portions of Hamilton E. Holmes Drive and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive were closed oveight to allow emergency responders and investigators direct access to the scene.

Georgia Power told FOX 5 News that power to about 1,200 customers was interrupted due to the incident. The spokesperson said they were cleared into the scene to restore power shortly before 1 a.m. Sunday. They hope to have the power restored by 3 a.m.