The GBI is investigating after Monroe County deputies shot at a man who was sought in connection with a shooting death earlier Friday, officials said.
Thomas Gary Palmer, 58, of Lizella, is in custody after allegedly firing shots at and fighting with the deputies, said Sgt. Lawson Bittick of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
About 9 a.m., Monroe County sheriff’s deputies got a call from a woman who said she had been kidnapped and witnessed an aggravated assault in Crawford County, Bittick said. Deputies later learned Palmer had been dropped off in the area after allegedly shooting and killing a man in Crawford County.
Officials began searching for Palmer who was found at a business at the intersection of Klopfer and Harrison roads in Juliette.
Bittick said Palmer began firing shots and three Monrocc County deputies returned fire.
Palmer dropped his gun, but as deputies attempted to arrest him, he pulled out a second weapon.
RELATED: GBI: Officer shot man several times
The deputies fought with Palmer before placing him in custody, Bittick said.
Palmer and the three deputies were checked out and cleared by EMS, Bittick said. The deputies who fired at the man was not identified.
The GBI also is investigating the Crawford County shooting, spokesman Bahan Rich said.
In January and February, the GBI conducted 17 officer-involved shooting investigations in Georgia, spokeswoman Nelly Miles said. The GBI investigated 78 officer-involved shootings last year.
In other news:
About the Author
