HCSO: GBI leads investigation in officer-involved shooting

LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating an officer-involved shooting Friday morning in Lumpkin County that left a suspect hospitalized after authorities say he pointed a weapon at a Hall County sheriff’s deputy.

The shooting occurred shortly after 9:45 a.m. Nov. 6 on Emory Stephens Road, just north of the Hall County line.

According to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and investigators were at a residence to execute a search warrant. The Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office and GBI were assisting with the operation.

While at the property, law enforcement officers encountered an adult man sitting in a vehicle and determined he had an outstanding arrest warrant. Authorities say the man fled in his vehicle when deputies attempted to arrest him. He crashed a short distance from the residence.

As a Hall County deputy approached the wrecked vehicle, the man emerged and pointed a weapon at the deputy, according to the sheriff’s office. The deputy fired his weapon, striking the suspect.

The man was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, where he remained hospitalized Friday afternoon. Authorities have not released his identity or provided details about the extent of his injuries.

The deputy was not injured. He has been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues, in accordance with sheriff’s office policy. GBI spokesperson Sara Lue confirmed at approximately 2:30 p.m. Friday that the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office had requested the agency to investigate the shooting.

“At this time, GBI agents are on scene and the investigation is active,” Lue said.

Authorities have not disclosed the nature of the search warrant, the charges associated with the suspect’s outstanding arrest warrant or whether the weapon allegedly pointed at the deputy was recovered.

The investigation remains ongoing.