GBI ID’s man shot by Georgia trooper after chase

GBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brian Whidby details officer involved shooting in Hapeville. Video by John Spink/AJC

The GBI has identified the 29-year-old man who was shot Monday after a chase involving the Georgia State Patrol in south Fulton County.

Jimmie Lee Ford has been charged by the GSP with theft by receiving stolen property, aggravated assault on a police officer, reckless driving and fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, GBI spokeswoman Nelly Miles said.

Jimmie Lee Ford (Credit: Fulton County Sheriff’s Office)

icon to expand image

The incident started just before 5:30 a.m. when Atlanta police pursued the car, which was reported stolen, authorities said. But they lost track of the car, and the GSP was called to help in the search.

Troopers later found the car and did a PIT maneuver, which is a controlled crash intended to steer a car to a stop, on I-75 South. The maneuver stopped the car temporarily.

The trooper left his vehicle and approached the car when Ford tried to drive off, the GBI said. During the encounter, the trooper fired his gun, striking Ford.

Ford drove away on I-75 with officers in pursuit before he stopped on Porsche Avenue, authorities said. Ford left the vehicle and ran, but was soon caught. He was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital.

The trooper was not injured.

The GBI is investigating the incident, which is standard protocol in use-of-force cases. The Georgia Department of Public Safety Office of Professional Standards is also investigating.

In other news: