Georgia Tech police chief ‘deeply saddened’ by death of Scout Schultz

Morner set out flowers at a memorial for Georgia Tech student Scout Schultz Sunday, September 17, 2017, In Atlanta GA.  Schultz, an engineering student at Georgia Tech, was shot by Georgia Tech campus police near Curran Parking Deck after allegedly wielding a knife and telling officers to shoot him Saturday night.  STEVE SCHAEFER / SPECIAL TO THE AJC

Credit: Steve Schaefer

Credit: Steve Schaefer

Morner set out flowers at a memorial for Georgia Tech student Scout Schultz Sunday, September 17, 2017, In Atlanta GA. Schultz, an engineering student at Georgia Tech, was shot by Georgia Tech campus police near Curran Parking Deck after allegedly wielding a knife and telling officers to shoot him Saturday night. STEVE SCHAEFER / SPECIAL TO THE AJC

The Georgia Tech police chief said Wednesday night he was “deeply saddened” by the shooting death of student Scout Schultz.

In a message posted on Twitter, Chief Rob Connolly said while the GBI is investigating his officer’s use of force, he is limited in the details he can release.

“I understand that many of you have questions,” Connolly said. “We’ve worked very hard to build an open and transparent relationship with you.”

Officer Tyler Beck, who joined the campus police department in May 2016, shot and killed Schultz late Saturday. Schultz, who attempted suicide two years ago, made a 911 call reporting a suspicious individual carrying a knife and possibly a gun, the GBI said Monday.

Four officers, including Beck, responded initially, ordering Schultz to drop the pocket knife. In a video of the incident, Schultz can be heard responding, “Shoot me!”and ignored officer’s commands to stand in place. Beck fired one shot, striking Schultz in the chest.

On Monday, what was planned as a memorial to honor Schultz turned violent when a police SUV was set on fire. Three people, including one Tech student, were arrested.

In his statement, Connolly thanked the Georgia Tech community for its support in recent days.

“Like you, we are mourning the loss of a member of our community, and ask that keep you the family and friends of Scout Schultz in your thoughts and prayers,” Connolly said.