Gunman shot dead by police at Chamblee AutoZone identified
Sophia Aguilar
Published Apr 12, 2026
Chamblee Police shot and killed a man suspected of robbing and tying up five employees of AutoZone on Buford Highway.
CHAMBLEE, Ga. -- Chamblee police have identified the gunman killed after holding workers at an AutoZone hostage during a robbery attempt on Tuesday.
The incident happened early Tuesday morning in the 4800 block of Buford Highway.
Police said 21-year-old Broderick Johnson barged into the store and ordered the manager to tie up the workers and to open the safe.
One worker was able to escape and call 911. '
SWAT was called in.
Police said Johnson came out of the building as they were setting up a perimeter.
"They gave him verbal commands to get on the ground," said Capt. Ford. "He refused. A struggle ensued. During the struggle, one of our officers shot and fatally wounded the suspect."
None of the employees was hurt.
Buford Highway was shut down at the scene as police investigated the incident. The road was reopened shortly before 5 a.m.
