The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Atlanta, GA) reports that Atlanta Police Officer Kiran Kimbrough was fired from the Atlanta Police Department (“APD”) for failing to follow departmental policy in the August 2023 arrest Johnny Hollman (62), a local church deacon.
Officer Kimbrough attempted to arrest Hollman following a minor vehicle crash after Hollman became agitated and refused to sign a traffic citation. Officer Kimbrough elected to use a taser on Hollman, who was then handcuffed and placed in the back of a police vehicle. Holloman became non-responsive and was later pronounced dead at Grady Memorial Hospital.
Hollman’s death was ruled a homicide, caused by a combination of the officer’s Taser and underlying health conditions. Interestingly, Hollman’s truck was subsequently impounded and found to contain nine bags of marijuana, about 28 grams of an unknown substance, drug paraphernalia and a gun, although the weapon was determined to belong to one of Hollman’s grandsons.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution article may be read HERE.
My brothers and sisters, there is so much known, but yet, unknown about this incident. It appears that errors in judgment, and perhaps some indignance and pride came into play on both sides of the issue.
Without inappropriately extrapolating or judging others, it nonetheless seems that Officer Kimbrough was unhappy about being questioned, and Deacon Holloman was unhappy with the determination that he was at fault and was being asked to sign a citation.
We don’t know what was weighing on the minds of both Officer Kimbrough and Deacon Holloman, but they were both public servants – albeit in differing capacities.
At this point, we have a police officer who may have a family and who needs work he can’t find, and we have a beloved church deacon with a grieving family – including a grandson who may need Christ in his life!
Let’s pray that God will take even this tragic situation and work things out for the good of both families (including a certain grandson), and most of all, for His glory!
As a reminder:
Proverbs 16:18 (NKJV)
“Pride goes before destruction, [a]nd a haughty spirit before a fall.”
Romans 8:28 (Amplified Bible)
“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.”
Praise Jesus forevermore!
