“La’Andre Thomas Fatally Shot by Police in Sandy Springs; Investigation Underway”

Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) confirms that 27‑year-old La’Andre Thomas — former defensive back for Memphis Tigers — was fatally shot by officers in Sandy Springs Police Department after an allegedly explosive confrontation.

According to the authorities, police were called on December 4 after a woman reported a possible assault while walking her dog. Security video helped identify Thomas, who was found at a bus stop near the 8000 block of Dunwoody Place.

When officers confronted him, things allegedly escalated — Thomas reportedly reached for his waistband, pulled out a handgun, and that’s when an officer fired. He was rushed to a hospital in critical condition… and later died.

Now his body is with the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the GBI is pushing ahead with an independent investigation before handing over findings to the District Attorney.

Thomas had been a standout athlete in Mississippi during high school, drawing attention from major colleges. In 2017, he committed to Memphis and went on to rack up tackles, interceptions, and even a pick‑six before his career — and life — came crashing to a violent halt.