Deputy Shot, Suspect Killed After Pursuit Across Multiple Georgia Counties

A high-speed pursuit that began in Cook County in the early hours of Friday, April 4th, ended in Dooly County with a deputy shot and the suspect killed in an exchange of gunfire.

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office initiated a pursuit that headed northbound, entering Turner County. Three Turner County deputies joined the chase, which continued into Crisp County and then Dooly County.

At approximately the 108-mile marker, a Turner County deputy executed a PIT maneuver, causing the suspect vehicle to come to a stop against the guardrail.

As deputies attempted to remove the suspect from the vehicle, the individual produced a firearm and began shooting, striking Deputy Baily Johnson. Lieutenant Bobby Caton and Chief Deputy Charles Dean, also Turner County deputies involved in the incident, returned fire.

Deputy Johnson was shot in the shoulder and the base of the neck but is expected to make a full recovery. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has been called in to investigate the officer-involved shooting.

The Turner County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, Dooly County Sheriff’s Office, and Sycamore Police Department for their assistance during the incident.

“Our deputies do a great job every day, but especially on days like today where they excelled in doing their job. I am extremely thankful for their hard work, dedication, and heroism,” said Sheriff Andy Hester.

The Sheriff also thanked the public for their ongoing support and prayers for the injured deputy.