Atlanta Family Seeks Justice for Devon Anderson
Atlanta — The family of a 38-year-old man shot and killed by an off-duty Atlanta police officer took their plea for justice to City Hall on Monday. They are calling for Officer Melvin Potter, who is accused of shooting Devon Anderson in August, to be fired from the Atlanta Police Department. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) said Potter shot Anderson outside a bar in College Park, but despite this, no charges have been filed related to Anderson’s death.
During an Atlanta City Council’s public safety committee meeting, Anderson’s family, including his tearful mother, Valerie Anderson, urged city officials to take action. “I still don’t believe my son is gone. Melvin Potter took my son from me,” Valerie said as she was filled with emotion. Standing before the council, she and other loved ones demanded accountability from the city and the police department. “We’ve got to fight for what is right,” a loved one said during the meeting. “Don’t uphold the law for somebody that’s lawless.”
The shooting occurred on Aug. 5, when Potter, who was off duty at the time, was reportedly celebrating another officer’s birthday with colleagues from multiple law enforcement agencies at a bar on Old National Highway. According to the GBI, an argument escalated, leading to Potter pulling out a gun and shooting Anderson. South Fulton Police arrested Potter, but he was only charged with obstruction, not for Anderson’s death. Valerie Anderson expressed frustration with the lack of clarity surrounding the case.
“I’m getting conflicting stories, and I feel like no one is being truthful to me,” she said. The Atlanta Police Department confirmed during the meeting that Potter has been relieved of duty, meaning he is still employed by the department but in a non-enforcement capacity. “Appropriate actions related to his employment and discipline will be made as the criminal investigation and administrative review continues,” an APD spokesperson said.
For Valerie Anderson, that’s not enough. She pointed to Potter’s 2021 DUI arrest and later conviction in Coweta County, saying the officer’s past behavior should have led to more serious consequences before her son’s death. “My son is gone,” she said. “To never talk to, to never hold, to never kiss.” As part of his current status, Potter has been required to hand over his badge and gun. The Anderson family said they will continue speaking out until justice is served. The GBI confirmed that the investigation into the shooting remains open.
The family’s campaign highlights the emotional toll on loved ones and their determination to seek justice. “We need answers, we need justice,” Valerie expressed, her voice breaking. The hope is that their collective voice will prompt a thorough evaluation of the incident and bring some form of resolution.
It’s clear that the Anderson family, supported by their community, will not stop until they feel justice has been achieved for Devon. “It’s not just about my son; it’s about making sure this doesn’t happen to another family,” Valerie said. Her plea is a powerful reminder of the deep and lasting impacts of such tragedies, as well as the importance of accountability and transparency within our law enforcement agencies.
