POLICE Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Documented Gang Member Shoots Atlanta Officer 6 Times

“The Atlanta Police Department will not be deterred. This today only reinforces why we took the oath and why we are here. So every gang member should know if you are committing crimes in this city, we’re going to come and we’re going to arrest you and we’re going to bring you before court,” Schierbaum added.

February 8, 2022
Documented Gang Member Shoots Atlanta Officer 6 Times

 

An Atlanta police officer is still hospitalized at Grady Memorial Hospital after he was shot six times in the line of duty Monday afternoon. According to arrest warrants for the shooter, Atlanta Police Officer David Rodgers was shot four times in his right shoulder, once in his knee and once to the back side of his head, 11ALIVE reported.

Rodgers, who has been with the department since 2011, was pursuing 22-year-old suspect Christian Eppinger, wanted for an October 2021 aggravated assault and robbery, at an apartment complex around 1:15 p.m. WSB-TV reported that police say Eppinger is a documented gang member with the Young Slime Life (YSL) gang.

Ad Loading...

"This individual was armed and this individual was looking to cause harm at the appropriate time. It happened to be an Atlanta police officer that was able to intervene before he was able to rob anybody else, before he was able to assault anyone else," Atlanta Police Deputy Chief Darin Schierbaum said during a press conference.

According to warrants, undercover officers were monitoring Eppinger on Monday and requested uniformed officers and marked patrol vehicles for assistance. After observing Eppinger make stops at two locations and then returning to an apartment complex, a uniformed APD officer was first on scene to try to make the arrest when Eppinger allegedly ignored verbal commands to get on the ground.

"Mr. Eppinger pushed (the officer), gaining space between the two at which (the officer) attempted to draw his taser. Before (the officer) could discharge his taser toward Mr. Eppinger, Mr. Eppinger produced a firearm and began shooting at (the officer) multiple times, striking (him) six times," the warrants stated.

At that point, a detective returned fire at Eppinger, who then fled. The shooting suspect was later seen running into an apartment unit and then fugitive units entered the apartment and took him into custody.

Eppinger is now facing attempted murder and criminal street gang activity charges.

Ad Loading...

He appeared in court on Tuesday and was denied bond both on the charges related to the officer's shooting and on the original armed robbery charges. A Fulton County judge ruled that he was likely to re-offend and was a probable flight risk.

“The Atlanta Police Department will not be deterred. This today only reinforces why we took the oath and why we are here. So every gang member should know if you are committing crimes in this city, we’re going to come and we’re going to arrest you and we’re going to bring you before court,” Schierbaum added.

Ad Loading...

More Patrol

Background orange tinted image of southern California with pushpin marking Burbank. Headline reads K-9 Killed by Gunman, Burbank Police Department
PatrolNovember 24, 2025

Police K-9 Killed, Suspect Dies in Shootout with Cops

A Burbank Police Department K-9 was fatally shot over the weekend by a passenger who fled on foot from a traffic stop. The armed suspect was killed in a shootout with officers.

Read More →
Thumbnail image with blue and red police lights against a black background, large POLICE logo, headline for From the Show Floor: InVeris
Patrolby Wayne ParhamNovember 23, 2025

From the Show Floor: InVeris

In this video, learn about how InVeris provides training to law enforcement, including customized augmented reality scenarios. The augmented reality system can scan up to 10,000 square feet of real-life environments and create a curriculum based on those spaces.

Read More →
Thumbnail image for video series POLICE From the Show Floor featuring Polaris Government & Defense.
Patrolby Wayne ParhamNovember 19, 2025

From the Show Floor: Polaris Government & Defense

Learn about Polaris Government & Defense in this video as POLICE visits their show booth to discover their side-by-sides and the advantages they provide for agencies.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
black background width image of police lights in middle and headline Dashcam Video Officers rescue Man from Burning Car
PatrolNovember 17, 2025

Dashcam Video Shows Officers Rescue Man from Burning Car

Dashcam video released by a New Jersey police department shows two of its officers rescuing an unconscious man from a burning car after a crash.

Read More →
blue background with image of a red dot sight and also second image of the red dot on a handgun lower right
PatrolNovember 17, 2025

Aimpoint COA optic + A-CUT Named Red Dot of the Year

The Aimpoint COA optic + A-CUT system has been named Red Dot of the Year by Guns & Ammo magazine. The new optic system was introduced in January 2025.

Read More →
Thumbnail for video series POLICE From the Show Floor, with headline text featuring Axon
Patrolby Wayne ParhamNovember 16, 2025

From the Show Floor: Axon

Join POLICE as we visit with Abi Stock, of Axon, to learn about the company’s latest technology offerings, such as Axon Assistant, Form One, and the DFR integration with Skydio.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
side view of a ballistic helmet in studio setting, black background, with sparks and smoke
PatrolNovember 16, 2025

Back Face Deformation, Brain Injury and Ballistic Helmets – Why the “Dent Doesn’t Matter” Claim Ignores Science

Alex Poythress, co-founder and CEO of Ballistic Armor Co., explains why ballistic helmet buyers should insist on full test data, including BFD measurements, standoff distance, and padding configuration, rather than rely solely on penetration ratings.

Read More →
Pink Streamlight Wedge XT flashlight.
PatrolNovember 13, 2025

Streamlight Marks 15 Years of Support for Breast Cancer Research Foundation With $20k Donation

In its 15th year of supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Streamlight donated $20,000 to help in the fight against cancer. Donations were generated through the sale of special Wedge XT models and other pink flashlights.

Read More →
center circle image of PTSD Help Expanded surrounded by military and first responder images
PatrolNovember 11, 2025

Police-Led Mental Health Charity Expands to Include Veterans

Talk To Me Post Tour (TTMPT), a non-profit organization that has been providing peer-support programs and professional psychological support for first responders, is now expanding services to military veterans.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
police officer holding a folded flag and headline for Officer Killed
PatrolNovember 10, 2025

WakeMed Campus Police Officer Killed in Hospital Shooting

A WakeMed Campus Police Officer died after being shot in the lobby of the emergency department at a North Carolina hospital over the weekend.

Read More →