75-Year-Old Townsend Man Shot by Deputies After Suicide Threat

At the request of the McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office, agents with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) are conducting an investigation into an officer-involved shooting in Townsend, McIntosh County, Georgia. The incident involved 75-year-old Allen Barrett of Townsend, who was shot and injured. No deputies were harmed during the event.

According to preliminary reports, at approximately 5:20 a.m., the Wiregrass E911 Communication Center received a call from Barrett, who made suicidal statements. The dispatcher subsequently dispatched McIntosh County Deputies to Barrett’s residence located in the 1200 block of Woodstork Dr. NE, Townsend, GA.

Upon arrival, deputies encountered Barrett on the porch and observed that he was armed with a gun. Deputies attempted to negotiate with Barrett, who then drew his weapon and fired at the deputies. In response, a deputy returned fire, hitting Barrett.

Barrett was transported to a hospital for treatment and is currently reported to be in stable condition.

The GBI is overseeing an independent investigation into the shooting. Upon completion, the findings will be forwarded to the Atlantic Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for further review.