Two deputies from the Cobb County Sheriff's Office, just northwest of Atlanta, were attempting to serve a warrant at a residence for failure to appear for theft by deception, Sheriff Craig D. Owens said at a Thursday news conference.
After the deputies knocked and rang the doorbell of the home, they got no answer and headed back to their car, Owens said. As they got back into the car, another vehicle arrived at the home.
When the deputies exited their car and began talking to the suspects, who were not identified during the press conference, shots were fired.
"It's very simple," Owens said. "My two deputies were ambushed this evening and killed."
Owens did not say if the deputies returned fire. Police believe one of the suspects lives at the property, Owens added.
At least one of the suspects barricaded themselves after shots were fired, Owens said, adding that after several hours, the standoff ended "peacefully."
Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, responded to the scene. The Cobb County Police Department is investigating the shooting.
Owens said the identities of the two deputies will not be released until all family members were notified. He called the pair "two young, bright deputies" who "served Cobb County with dignity and honor."