GBI Investigates Shooting in Towns County - One Deputy Shot and Injured

Towns County, GA (December 13, 2024) - At the request of the Towns County Sheriff's Office, GBI agents are investigating an aggravated assault on a Towns County Sheriff's deputy who was shot during a traffic stop.

The suspect has not been identified but is described as a white man, who is about 6 feet tall and 170-180 lbs. He was driving a 2010 or similar model silver Honda four-door sedan. The suspect wore a black beanie, gray hoodie, and black athletic pants.

Just after 2:00 a.m., a Towns County deputy sheriff saw a silver Honda sedan without a tag and initiated a traffic stop on the car on Plott Town Road in Young Harris, Towns County, GA. The driver of the car stopped but immediately got out of the car and walked towards the deputy. The driver did not obey the deputy's commands, and the deputy attempted to tase the man. The attempt was unsuccessful. The deputy and the man fought over the deputy's gun, and the deputy was shot. The man drove away from the area in the Honda. The man did not take the deputy's gun.

Law enforcement and EMS responded to the scene and provided care to the deputy. The deputy was taken to a metro hospital for treatment. The deputy's injuries are not life-threatening.

This investigation is active and ongoing. The GBI and the Towns County Sheriff's Office are asking for the public's help in identifying the man who shot the deputy in this incident. Please call Towns County 911 or the GBI Tipline at 800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile application.