Arrest made in case of Fulton County deputy shot, killed inside vehicle

Last updated January 4, 2022 @ 2:08 PM ET 

The following was taken from a Facebook post distributed by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office:

Update: Investigators have made an arrest in the murder of a Fulton County deputy found shot to death inside his vehicle. Officials with the Atlanta Police Department stated during a press conference that Alton Oliver, 26, was identified, arrested, and charged with the murder of Deputy James Thomas, 24.

“The suspect was on foot, and there was some type of argument that escalated to the gunfire,” said Deputy Chief Hampton during the conference. Investigators stated that they do not believe Oliver and Thomas knew each other prior to the incident. A witness who came forward stated that they observed the car driving erratically and heard what they believed to be gunfire as they passed the vehicle. Police believe Thomas was killed after the vehicle crashed.

Oliver is currently being held at the Cobb County Jail and is charged with felony murder and aggravated assault.

Fulton County (December 30, 2022) – The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of Deputy James Thomas, 24, who was found shot and killed in his personal vehicle on Bolton Rd. on December 29th.

The discovery was made following a call from a passing motorist. The Atlanta Police Department is leading the investigation into what lead to the shooting and searching for the suspect or suspects involved.

Anyone with information that may aid the investigation and find those responsible are urged to call APD, or Crimestoppers, 404-577-TIPS (8477). The reward for information helping to lead to an arrest in this case has increased to $30,000.

Deputy James Thomas, who joined the agency in August of this year, was assigned to Grady Detention. He was recruited to the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office from the Milledgeville Police Department, because of his dedication to the law enforcement profession, and his remarkable work ethic. He will be truly missed.