Hall County Deputy Exchanges Gunfire with Suspect During High-Speed Chase

Authorities are investigating an overnight incident in which a Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputy and a fleeing suspect exchanged gunfire following a traffic stop attempt.

The incident occurred around 3 a.m. when deputies attempted to stop a vehicle driving erratically on I-985/SR 365 northbound. The driver, identified as 26-year-old Austin Cole Abel of Cleveland, continued onto eastbound Lula Road (SR 52) as a deputy pursued.

According to initial reports, Abel opened fire on the pursuing deputy’s patrol vehicle, prompting the deputy to return fire. Neither Abel nor the deputy was injured during the exchange.

Abel continued driving but lost control of his vehicle, which veered into a ditch and overturned on Lula Road. Deputies apprehended him after a brief standoff at the crash scene. Abel sustained minor injuries in the accident but declined medical treatment.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has been called to investigate the officer-involved shooting. HCSO investigators are handling the remaining aspects of the incident. The investigation remains active and ongoing.