Statesboro Police Officer Injured in Exchange of Gunfire, Teen Suspect Apprehended
On the evening of April 16, 2024, at approximately 9:59 p.m., Statesboro Police officers responded to a report of a male unlawfully entering vehicles in the parking lot of Copper Beech Townhomes on Statesboro Place Circle.
Upon arrival, officers entered the complex to detain the suspect. Advanced Patrol Officer Joey Deloach, a 7-year veteran of the Department, identified a male matching the description provided by the caller inside a parked vehicle. APO Deloach approached the suspect, who subsequently exited the vehicle and exchanged gunfire with him. APO Deloach was injured in the exchange but managed to call for assistance.
Officers swiftly rendered aid to APO Deloach and transported him to East Georgia Regional Medical Center. He was later flown to Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah, where he underwent surgery. APO Deloach remains hospitalized, with his family by his side. The Statesboro Police Department (SPD) has requested public prayers for his speedy recovery.
The suspect, identified as 19-year-old Anthony Kent from Vidalia, Georgia, fled on foot after the shooting. He was apprehended near Brampton Avenue by SPD officers and Bulloch County Sheriff’s deputies. Kent, who had an active felony warrant from Treutlen County Sheriff’s Office, was found wounded and transported to East Georgia Regional Medical Center for treatment before being taken to Bulloch County Jail.
In accordance with SPD policy on use of force incidents, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was called to the scene. The GBI remained on site throughout the night to process evidence and gather witness statements. The investigation is ongoing.
SPD expressed gratitude to the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Southern University Police for their assistance.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Region 5 Investigative Office at 912-871-1121 or Senior Detective Ben Purvis at 912-764-9911. Anonymous tips can be submitted via www.tipsoft.com or by texting 274637 and entering “TIPSSPD” plus your message.
On the evening of April 16, 2024, at approximately 9:59 p.m., Statesboro Police (SPD) officers responded to a report of a male unlawfully entering vehicles in the parking lot of Copper Beech Townhomes on Statesboro Place Circle.
Upon arrival, officers entered the complex to detain the suspect. Advanced Patrol Officer Joey Deloach, a 7-year veteran of the Department, identified a male matching the description provided by the caller inside a parked vehicle. APO Deloach approached the suspect, who subsequently exited the vehicle and exchanged gunfire with him. APO Deloach was injured in the exchange but managed to call for assistance.
Officers rendered aid to APO Deloach and transported him to East Georgia Regional Medical Center. He was later flown to Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah, where he underwent surgery. APO Deloach remains hospitalized, with his family by his side. The Statesboro Police Department (SPD) has requested public prayers for his speedy recovery.
The suspect, identified as 19-year-old Anthony Kent from Vidalia, Georgia, fled on foot after the shooting. He was apprehended near Brampton Avenue by SPD officers and Bulloch County Sheriff’s deputies. Kent, who had an active felony warrant from Treutlen County Sheriff’s Office, was found wounded and transported to East Georgia Regional Medical Center for treatment before being taken to Bulloch County Jail.
In accordance with SPD policy on use of force incidents, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was called to the scene. The GBI remained on site throughout the night to process evidence and gather witness statements. The investigation is ongoing.
SPD expressed gratitude to the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Southern University Police for their assistance.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Region 5 Investigative Office at 912-871-1121 or Senior Detective Ben Purvis at 912-764-9911. Anonymous tips can be submitted via www.tipsoft.com or by texting 274637 and entering “TIPSSPD” plus your message.
