Suspect wanted for killing Warm Springs police officer is dead

The murder suspect wanted for killing a Warm Springs police officer has died from a self-inflicted gunshot, wound according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Jimmy Steverson was a passenger in a vehicle stopped in Anderson, South Carolina and turned the gun on himself as a deputy from that agency approached the vehicle on I-85 Wednesday.

The 23-year-old Steverson was wanted for ambushing SGT Chris Fisher as he sat in his patrol vehicle in Warm Springs late Wednesday night. The GBI said on September 1, 2026, at about 11:57 p.m., at the conclusion of an unrelated traffic stop, SGT Fisher was on duty in his patrol car in the parking lot of Meriwether Country Inn, 5675 Spring Street, in Warm Springs, GA. While SGT Fisher was stopped, a black 2026 Chevrolet Silverado stopped beside his patrol car. The driver later identified as Steverson fired multiple shots into SGT Fisher’s patrol vehicle. SGT Fisher was pronounced dead on the scene. Steverson then fled the parking lot.

The GBI said it was a “targeted” attack. Court records reveal Steverson was arrested August 27, 2026, by SGT Fisher and charged with felony offenses including possession, manufacture or distribution of marijuana, possession of a firearm or knife during the commission or attempted commission of a felony and obstruction of a law enforcement officer with threats of violence. Steverson posted a $10,000 bond and was free the next day.

The Warm Springs community is mourning the loss of Fisher who was just recently promoted to Sergeant. Christopher Kent described SGT Fisher as a dedicated officer who loved kids and loved serving his community. “I had the honor of being one of Chris’s first Field Training Officers when he began his law enforcement career with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office. As an FTO, you hope the lessons you teach will stay with a young deputy throughout his career—but you never imagine having to say goodbye like this.”