GBI Investigates Officer-Involved Shooting in Vidalia; Suspect in Critical Condition

On October 19, 2025, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Vidalia Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of MLK Jr. Boulevard and Epstein Street in Vidalia, Toombs County, Georgia.

During the stop, officers determined that the passenger, 47-year-old Travis Kelly Parrish of Lyons, GA, had an outstanding warrant. When officers attempted to take Parrish into custody, he became combative and in the struggle, an officer deployed a Taser. Following this, another officer discharged a firearm, striking Parrish.

Parrish was transported to a local hospital and remains in critical condition. No officers were injured during the incident.

At the request of the Vidalia Police Department, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is conducting an independent review of the shooting. Once the GBI completes its investigation, the case will be forwarded to the Middle Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for further review.

This investigation is active and ongoing. If anyone has information about this incident, please contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Eastman at 478-374-6988. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.