Weapons — Avondale Estates, GA — reported 2026-07-09

SUMMARY

A DeKalb County police officer was charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct after he accidentally discharged his weapon and fatally shot a 19-year-old handcuffed man.

KEY FACTS

  • Incident type: Weapons
  • Location: Avondale Estates, GA
  • Date reported: 2026-07-09
  • Suspect: not stated
  • Victim(s): 1 (19-year-old Seth Jayden Eccles)
  • Status: arrest/charge

REPORTED DETAILS

  • The shooting occurred near Avondale Estates, a city in the northeastern suburbs of Atlanta.
  • DeKalb County Police Department Officer Derrick Harris Jr. was charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of reckless conduct.
  • Harris fired his gun while arresting Eccles, striking the 19-year-old.
  • Eccles was handcuffed and face-down during the arrest when he was shot.
  • An autopsy will determine the official cause and manner of death.