Police Magazine 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

 

2 min to read


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.

More Patrol

Streamlight promotional graphic featuring the LiteBox 1 Million handheld light and Portable Scene Light III, highlighting products displayed for the 2026 National Safety Council Safety Congress & Expo in Indianapolis, Sept. 14–16.
PatrolSeptember 10, 2026

Streamlight to Showcase Newest Lighting Products at National Safety Council’s Safety Congress & Expo 2026

Streamlight will showcase its latest lights, including the Portable Scene Light III and the LiteBox 1Million, at the 2026 National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo.

Read More →
Graphic promoting the 2027 World Police & Fire Games in Perth, Australia, featuring an aerial city view and photos of international participants carrying Brazilian and Australian flags.
PatrolSeptember 10, 2026

The 2027 World Police & Fire Games Set for Perth, Australia

The 2027 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) will take place in Perth, Western Australia, from Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 21, 2027.

Read More →
New York City skyline at night with the Tribute in Light beams illuminating the sky in remembrance of September 11, with the 5.11 logo in the upper left.
PatrolSeptember 10, 2026

5.11 Partners with National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to Support #ForThe343

5.11 has joined the nationwide movement honoring the 343 New York City Fire Department firefighters lost on Sept. 11, 2001.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Team Wendy graphic announcing sponsorship of the Jorge Pastore Foundation, featuring a black-and-white photo of Austin Police Officer Jorge Pastore, whose end of watch was November 11, 2023.
PatrolAugust 27, 2026

Team Wendy Announces Title Sponsorship of the Jorge Pastore Foundation

Team Wendy’s 3-year partnership with the Jorge Pastore Foundation expands access to programs that strengthen those who serve.

Read More →
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund graphic for the 2026 9/11 commemoration ceremony beside a close-up of a police officer’s badge, with blurred emergency lights in the background.
PatrolAugust 27, 2026

National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Hosting 9/11 25th-Year Commemoration Ceremony

The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum is hosting a 9/11 25th Year Commemoration Ceremony on Sept. 11 at 4 p.m.

Read More →
Officer of the Month graphic for June 2026 honoring officers of the Chico, California, Police Department, featuring the department’s police badge and a rose emblem.
PatrolAugust 20, 2026

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Announces June 2026 Officers of the Month

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) named 15 officers of the Chico Police Department (California) as the Officers of the Month for June 2026 for their roles in responding to an active-shooter incident at a public library.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Three smartphone screens display the Team Wendy community app, featuring tactical gear content, upcoming events, news, surveys, and navigation tools for warranty, sizing, and user profiles.
PatrolAugust 13, 2026

Team Wendy App Creates New Digital Hub for Helmet Owners

The Team Wendy Community App provides one location for warranty registration, size-fit tools, product updates, and community connection. For helmet owners, the new app creates a simpler path to the information and tools that matter most.

Read More →
Security officer wearing an earpiece uses a handheld two-way radio at an outdoor event, with PositionPTT push-to-talk radio accessories and earpiece shown alongside for professional communications.
PatrolJuly 28, 2026

PositionPTT & Pryme Combine Communication Technologies to Deliver Distracted Driving Compliance

Pryme Radio Accessories and hardware/software maker PositionPTT join forces to advance hands-free communications and ensure Department of Transportation compliance using an integrated system of push-to-talk platforms, devices, and audio equipment.

Read More →
Graphic announcing $25 million in law enforcement grants and resources over a photo of the U.S. Department of Justice headquarters in Washington, D.C., with large blue-and-white headline text overlaying the building.
PatrolJuly 23, 2026

Justice Department Releases $25M in Law Enforcement Grants & Resources

The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services has just released $25 million in new grant Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) to support law enforcement. The recently released NOFOs include the Safer Outcomes: Enhancing Crisis Response Training for Law Enforcement Program and other grant programs.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips YouTube thumbnail asking, “What qualifies a device as rugged or fully rugged?” featuring a Panasonic Toughbook laptop on a dark street background.
Patrolby Wayne ParhamJuly 23, 2026

What Makes a Laptop Rugged or Fully Rugged?

What separates a rugged laptop from a fully rugged one? In this video, two Panasonic Connect experts explain the military testing, IP ratings, durability standards, and real-world features that help law enforcement officers rely on their computers in any environment.

Read More →