Cop Killer Shot, Killed After Wielding Lawnmower Blade: Police

Latest: Procession Route Will Honor Slain Officer, Community Invited

SNELLVILLE, GA — The man accused of killing officer Antwan Toney Saturday is now dead after wielding a lawnmower blade at officers, according to police.

Tafahree Maynard, 18, of Snellville, was found during a SWAT search in a shed behind the house at 2552 Mistletoe Lane, in Snellville, at about 10:58 a.m., Monday. Maynard would not surrender and did not comply with verbal commands to show his hands, police said. One officer deployed a Taser which did not successfully incapacitate Maynard. Maynard then produced a lawnmower blade and made an aggressive move toward officers. One Gwinnett County Police officer fired shots, striking and killing Maynard. No officers were injured in the encounter.

The Gwinnett County Police Department received credible information Sunday night that indicated Tafahree Maynard was still in the area. A large police presence was moved into the area as a result. The SWAT Team was called upon to clear multiple locations due to the potential threat posed by Maynard.

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Police Chief Butch Ayers said, “We are relieved that the manhunt is over and the threat to the community resolved. It is unfortunate that Maynard did not surrender or turn himself in peacefully, but his actions forced the officer’s response. With the manhunt over, we can now focus on remembering and honoring Ofc. Antwan Toney.”

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The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating the shooting.

In a press release, police said that Toney, 30, responded to the scene of the suspicious car at Crumps Landing Road and White Road near Shiloh Middle School in Snellville along with other officers Saturday.

GCPD detectives have identified all occupants of the suspect vehicle, but are still interested in hearing from witnesses. Anyone with information can call 770-513-5710 or 404-577-TIPS. Only Pretlow and Maynard have been charged at this time.

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Prior to working for the Gwinnett County police, he worked as a security guard. Toney's immediate family lives in California, police said.

Photo courtesy Gwinnett County Police Department