Man Fatally Shot by DNR Game Warden After Trespassing Incident in Barnesville

BARNESVILLE, GA – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is conducting an independent investigation following an officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of 28-year-old Dante Romearo Smith of Bowdon, Georgia. The incident occurred on Monday in Lamar County.

According to preliminary information, the incident began when a property owner on Brent Road in Barnesville contacted the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to report a trespasser. DNR game wardens responded and located Smith at the intersection of Highway 341 and Brent Road.

Smith was reportedly armed with a knife and ran toward one of the responding game wardens. As Smith approached, the warden discharged his firearm, striking Smith.

Smith was pronounced deceased at the scene. No game wardens were injured during the incident.

Smith’s body will be taken to the GBI Crime Lab for autopsy. The GBI is conducting an independent investigation. Upon completion, the case file will be submitted to the Towaliga Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.