GBI Investigates Officer Involved Shooting in Gwinnett County

Gwinnett County, GA (August 24, 2024) - The GBI is investigating an officer involved shooting in Sugar Hill, Gwinnett County, Georgia. On August 23, 2024, the Gwinnett County Police Department (GCPD) requested the GBI to conduct an independent investigation. One man, later identified as Brayden Hemphill, age 17, of Sugar Hill, GA, was killed during the incident. No officers were injured.

Preliminary information shows that at about 4:30 p.m., GCPD received a 911 call from Hemphill. Hemphill stated he wanted to harm himself and others. He also stated he was armed with a gun and a knife. Officers responded to the area near Whitehead Road at W. Broad Street and encountered Hemphill near the roadway. Officers observed Hemphill holding a knife. Officers gave Hemphill verbal commands to "stop" while stating "nobody wants to hurt you". Hemphill quickly advanced towards the officers while yielding the knife towards them and officers told Hemphill to "get on the ground". Hemphill refused the commands and continued running at the officers. Officers fired at Hemphill, who briefly went to the ground before getting up with the knife still outstretched. Officers fired again at Hemphill, hitting him. Hemphill was pronounced dead at the scene.

The GBI will continue its independent investigation. Once the investigation is complete, it will be given to the Gwinnett County District Attorney's Office for review.