Accused shoplifter shot by Lilburn officer

LILBURN - An accused shoplifter is hospitalized in critical condition after he was shot by a Lilburn police officer Monday afternoon.

Lilburn Police Chief Bruce Hedley, in a press statement, said the officer was defending himself when he shot the suspect, hitting him in the face and chest.

"The preliminary investigation shows the officer was defenbding his own life and his decision to use deadly force was justified," said Hedley.

The incident happened at a Family Dollar Store on Lawrenceville Highway in Lilburn around 1:30 p.m. Initial reports indicated the officer tried to subdue the suspect with a taser, but the suspect was able to wrestle the taser away from the officer.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has taken over the investigation of the case.