Atlanta, GA--  (submitted by Carlos Campos)  The Atlanta Police Department announced a series of community meetings intended to inform city residents on changes to its six geographical patrol zones.

The APD embarked on a study a year ago, examining its police beats with the goal of ensuring that its resources and response times to calls for service were maximized.

The resulting plan retains the departments six zones, though some geographical boundaries have shifted. Department leadership believes the plan will increase police visibility by boosting the number of beats throughout the city and balancing out workloads in each zone, allowing for improved response times.

Chief George Turner, along with commanders for each zone, will join other department leadership in presenting the plan - along with expected benefits - in a series of public forums through March.

The current meeting : Wednesday, March 9 - Zone 2 The Lodge at Peachtree Presbyterian Church 3417 Roswell Road 7:00 PM

Atlanta, GA--  Today, around 1:15 p.m.,  U S Marshals were tracking a fugitive near Metropolitan Parkway & Cleveland Ave. while he was pumping gas.

The agent radioed to Atlanta PD for assistance. When the suspect was approached by an APD unit, the suspect jumped back in the vehicle & ran over the officers foot in an attempt to flee. At that point the officer, whose name is not being released yet, fired his city issued weapon at the suspect. The suspect was not hit.

The suspect led officers on a short chase that ended on Virginia Avenue in East Point. Suspect was apprehended. The officer suffered a slight foot injury, but was not transported for care.  Suspect's name is Mack Ranson, B/M, DOB 06/15/76.

Atlanta, GA-- A Reward of up to $10,000 is being offered by the State Fire Marshal’s Office to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspected Arsonists who set ablaze and destroyed a Family Dollar Store today in East Point. At 3:01 this morning, East Point Fire Engines 2, 3, 4, Tower 3 and the Battalion Chief  responded to a structure fire at the Family Dollar located at 3104 Washington Road.  Upon arrival crews reported seeing heavy fire and smoke inside the Family Dollar, which quickly spread through the roof.  East Point Command was established and requested additional assistance from one engine with the College Park Fire Department and one ladder truck from the Atlanta Fire Department.

The Family Dollar was one of 13 businesses located within the strip mall.  It was unoccupied at the time of the fire, and flames were contained to the store of origin.