Ex-Memphis FB Player Shot and Killed By Police After Officials Say He Pulled Gun

Former Memphis Tigers football player La’Andre Thomas died in an officer-involved shooting in Georgia last week after allegedly pulling a gun on cops … an incident that is under investigation. He was 27.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says the Sandy Springs Police Department was dispatched to the Dunwoody Place area around 10:30 AM on December 4th … after a 911 caller claimed a man was assaulting her while she was walking her dog.

The GBI says Sandy Springs officers identified the man as Thomas after reviewing surveillance and located the 27-year-old at a bus stop near the 8000 block of Dunwoody Place.

Officials say Thomas approached the officers and started talking before he allegedly reached for his belt to retrieve a weapon.

“During the conversation, Thomas pulled a handgun from his waistband,” the GBI said, “One officer then shot Thomas, injuring him.”

Thomas was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition, but was later pronounced dead. The GBI said it is investigating the officer-involved shooting.

Thomas was a high school football standout in Mississippi and was rated among the top 40 players in the state by ESPN. The then dual-threat quarterback led Wingfield High School to the MHSAA 5A state playoffs and collected multiple honors, including a spot on the MHSAA 5A All-State First Team.

Thomas received several college offers … including Memphis, which he committed to in 2017 as a defensive player.

He recorded 80 total tackles, two interceptions– including a pick-six — along with one sack and a forced fumble.

Several fans and friends of Thomas shared their condolences on social media … including his former mentor, Mario Winston, who posted an emotional message on Instagram.