Georgia Man Shot by Police After Pulling Out Phone During Dispute Investigation

Suspect Malik Hendrix, 23, was shot several times by officers after allegedly reaching into his jacket during a domestic dispute probe.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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State agents are investigating after three Savannah police officers shot a 23-year-old man on Saturday following a reported domestic dispute where a child was allegedly thrown into a dumpster. The suspect, Malik Hendrix, was shot multiple times after he allegedly reached into his jacket while officers were wrapping up their investigation, with police saying he pointed an object at them that turned out to be a cellphone.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about the use of force by police, particularly in situations involving mental health crises or domestic disputes where tensions can escalate quickly. It also highlights the need for improved de-escalation training and crisis intervention for law enforcement to avoid unnecessary violence.

The details

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Savannah police responded to an apartment on Emerald Drive around 2:45 p.m. on Saturday after receiving a 911 call about a domestic dispute. Officers determined that a dispute had occurred between a woman and Malik Hendrix, 23. Witnesses reported seeing a child thrown into a dumpster during the incident, though the child was reunited with the mother and taken to the hospital. As officers were wrapping up their investigation, Hendrix allegedly approached them and reached into his jacket. When he pulled something out and pointed it at the officers, three of them opened fire, striking Hendrix multiple times. The object turned out to be a cellphone.

  • Police responded to the apartment around 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2026.
  • The shooting incident occurred as officers were wrapping up their investigation.

The players

Malik Hendrix

A 23-year-old Savannah resident who was shot by police after allegedly reaching into his jacket and pointing an object at officers during a domestic dispute investigation.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

The state agency leading the investigation into the police shooting of Malik Hendrix.

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What they’re saying

“The object Hendrix was holding was a cellphone.”

— Georgia Bureau of Investigation (fox5atlanta.com)

What’s next

The Eastern Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office will review the case once the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's investigation is complete.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for improved police training and protocols when responding to domestic disputes and situations involving potential mental health crises, in order to de-escalate tensions and avoid the use of lethal force except as an absolute last resort.