ATLANTA, Dec. 28 (UPI) -- A Georgia state trooper was shot and killed following an attempted traffic stop of a motorist who allegedly opened fire on the officer, authorities said.
Trooper First Class Chadwick LeCroy, 38, of Marietta was shot twice in the face Monday by a suspect he had tried to pull over, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
Police said LeCroy tried to stop a 2007 Mazda in northwest Atlanta for a broken headlight when the suspect's car sped away.
After the Mazda crashed, LeCroy was approaching the car when the driver opened fire, police spokesman Gordy Wright said.
It was unclear whether any struggle preceded the shooting, he said.
"That's part of the investigation, to determine if there was a struggle or he was just approaching the vehicle and the violator opened fire," Wright said. "We're just not sure."
Following the shooting, the suspect drove away in LeCroy's patrol car, which was found abandoned a few blocks away
Atlanta and police arrested the suspect nearby and also found the gun believed used in the shooting, the Journal-Constitution reported.
Police have not released the suspect's name or identified a motive.
