Suspect Killed After Shooting at Deputies During I-85 Pursuit in Banks County

UPDATE: The man killed in this incident has been identified as 41-year-old Stephen James Alexander of Savannah, GA.

Original Post:

BANKS COUNTY, Ga. — A suspect was shot and killed after opening fire on deputies during a pursuit along Interstate 85 on April 8, according to the Banks County Sheriff’s Office.

On Wednesday morning, at approximately 4:20 am, Banks County Deputies were responding to a BOLO from Jackson County related to a reported road rage incident when they located the suspect vehicle near the 150-mile marker on I-85. The deputies attempted a traffic stop near Exit 149, which is U.S. Route 441 in Commerce, GA. The driver refused to stop and deputies pursued the vehicle onto I-85.

Authorities said deputies used a PIT maneuver to successfully stop the vehicle. At that point, the suspect began firing at deputies. Deputies returned fire, striking the suspect.

The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene. No deputies were injured during the incident. The GBI said that the man’s body was taken to the Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy and positive identification.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been requested to lead the investigation.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI Tipline by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477). Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.