A Fulton County deputy said he never fired his weapon. But Atlanta Police investigators reportedly reached the opposite conclusion—and surveillance video became central to explaining why the admitted shooter was released without charges. Deputy Evens Lafond was working in plain clothes and driving an undercover Honda when he pursued a man through downtown Atlanta. According to Atlanta News First, surveillance footage showed no lights or siren during the pursuit and showed Lafond exiting the vehicle with his gun drawn. Ivan Watson told investigators he believed an unidentified armed man was chasing his brother. Watson admitted opening fire but said Lafond turned toward him and fired first. Atlanta Police later concluded that Lafond had not identified himself as an officer before firing his weapon. Lafond’s written statement said: “I did not discharge my weapon during the incident.” But investigators found a separate 9mm casing near his vehicle, and the APD incident report reportedly said Lafond fired. Watson and his girlfriend were released without charges, and the case was closed. Lafond later received a commendation for bravery and was promoted to sergeant. So what evidence did the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office review before rewarding and promoting him—and was the contradiction in his written statement ever investigated? 📄 Story tips, resources & support 👉 https://www.thinblueliesmedia.com Submit police accountability tips, bodycam footage, public records, court documents, and local story leads. 👕 Thin Blue Lies merch: https://www.youtube.com/@thinblueliesmedia/store Sources Atlanta News First Investigates: https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2026/07/09/shooter-freed-because-deputy-said-police-only-after-he-was-shot/ Reporting and footage credited to Atlanta News First Investigates and investigative reporter Brendan Keefe. The report says APD possessed surveillance video shortly after the shooting, later closed the case without charges, and repeatedly declined to release the original surveillance footage publicly. This video contains commentary, criticism and analysis of publicly reported events and records. #PoliceAccountability #Bodycam #ThinBlueLies

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