GBI Investigates Fatal Use-of-Force Incident in Colquitt County Following Trooper Chase

At the request of the Georgia State Patrol, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is investigating a use-of-force incident that occurred in Colquitt County, Georgia. The incident resulted in the death of 44-year-old Kevin James Kennedy from Pavo, Georgia.

On Thursday, August 22, 2024, around 2:30 p.m., a Georgia State Trooper was patrolling near the intersection of State Road 33 and Lanier Road in Colquitt County. The Trooper observed Kennedy driving a blue 4-wheeler, which matched the description of a vehicle involved in recent thefts and burglaries in the area. The Trooper activated the emergency lights to pull Kennedy over.

Kennedy did not stop and fled the scene, leading the Trooper on a chase through fields, a ditch, and back to the highway. During the pursuit, Kennedy drove the 4-wheeler into the Trooper’s patrol car, causing the 4-wheeler to overturn. Kennedy then attempted to escape on foot.

The Trooper, assisted by a GSP K-9, pursued Kennedy. The K-9 apprehended Kennedy by biting him, which allowed the Trooper to handcuff him. EMS and local deputies provided medical treatment at the scene for Kennedy’s injuries.

Kennedy was transported to a hospital in Macon, where he died on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, in the early afternoon. An autopsy will be conducted at the GBI Crime Lab.

The investigation is ongoing. Once completed, the case will be reviewed by Southern Judicial Circuit District Attorney Brad Shealy.