Police Officer Eric Cecil Barker, Sr.

Eric Cecil Barker, Sr.

Officer Eric Barker and Officer Ricky Bryant were shot and killed while working an off duty, uniformed security detail at an apartment complex in Decatur.

Both officers were patrolling the 176-unit apartment complex when they received a report of a suspicious person on Glenwood Road. When they arrived at the location a struggle resulted with the suspect who managed to gain control of one of their service weapons and opened fire, killing both officers.

A tow truck driver who happened across the scene called 911 approximately 10 minutes later.

The suspect was apprehended several days later after he was turned in by his girlfriend. He was charged with two counts of felony murder and possession of a gun by a convicted felon. He was found guilty on October 12th, 2012, and subsequently sentenced to life in prison.

Officer Barker was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with the DeKalb County Police Department for 4 years. He is survived by his wife and four children.