Seminole Co. deputy-involved shooting under investigation

DONALSONVILLE, Ga. (WALB) - A deputy-involved shooting is under investigation in Seminole County, according to the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office.

The shooting incident stemmed from a chase that ended at the Early County line on 84 West.

The suspect is currently receiving treatment at the hospital for injuries from the shooting. But this is the second time the suspect has been in the hospital in the last 24 hours.

Late Thursday night, Georgia State Patrol charged the suspect with DUI after a roll-over accident. He was then taken to the hospital before being discharged and taken to the Seminole County Jail.

The sheriff’s office said that’s when the suspect was able to escape out of an unlocked side door as jail staff was working to sweep water. He then got into an unlocked patrol vehicle, crashed through the security fence and led law enforcement on a chase down Highway 84 to the Early County line.

Agencies tried to deploy spike strips to stop the suspect, but they were unsuccessful.

Sheriff Heath Elliot said there were a number of firearms in the patrol car, including a pistol, AR-15 and a shotgun, along with the transporter’s main weapon.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) said the deputy tried to get the suspect out of the stolen patrol car when a struggle happened.

“The (suspect) was struck once, but still able to drive off again before being stopped again in a second location where he fought several deputies while still resisting arrest. The male was then tased without effect and was able to take a taser from a deputy at this location. The man was eventually restrained and arrested by deputies on scene,” the GBI said in a release.

Several people told WALB News 10 on Friday what they thought about the incident.

“I think its really great that Seminole County has a great sheriff’s department that got it and was on track with it. I mean it really could’ve been worse than what it was, I’m just glad that everyone’s okay,” one person said off camera to WALB.

“I mean (law enforcement) shouldn’t have left the keys in the car. So I mean, if I leave my keys in the car and somebody else gets my car, that’s my fault. And he’s trying not to go to jail. I don’t blame him,” another person said.

The GBI said no deputies were injured.

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