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Georgia Community Protests Police Killing of African-American Man

Charles Smith of Savannah, Georgia, was shot dead by a police officer while in custody Thursday.

Georgia authorities are investigating the death of Charles Smith, an African-American man, who was handcuffed when he was shot and killed by police in Savannah, Ga., Thursday, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. 
Smith was arrested for outstanding warrants and put in the back of a police vehicle. Police say Smith moved his hands to the front of his body and tried to kick through the window of the patrol car, according to a spokesperson for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Police also say they saw him armed with a gun. 

According to an eyewitness, an officer left the vehicle and threatened to kill Smith after he kicked the window. The officer then shot Smith in the leg the first time. Smith escaped through the window and fell onto the ground. At this point, the officer shot Smith three more times. Bullets struck Smith in the head and the back. 
The findings of the investigation will be turned over to the Eastern Judicial Circuit district attorney’s office, according to the Associated Press. 
Follow Natelege Whaley on Twitter: @Natelege_

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 (Photo: Jonathan Fickies/Getty Images)

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