Armed Man Killed, Deputy Shot During Officer-Involved Shooting in Baldwin County
BALDWIN COUNTY, Ga. — A Baldwin County deputy was shot and an armed man was killed Saturday after a domestic dispute escalated into a shootout inside a Milledgeville home, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
The GBI said agents are investigating the officer-involved shooting at the request of the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the deceased as 58-year-old Rexell Dallas Rice of Eatonton.
According to preliminary information, Rice went to a home near the intersection of Kay Avenue and Bob White Circle during the early morning hours of April 18 to retrieve personal belongings when a domestic dispute occurred.
Investigators said Rice left the home, but returned around 9:35 a.m. armed with three firearms and began firing shots toward the residence.
The people inside barricaded themselves for safety, but authorities said Rice forced his way into the home and continued shooting.
A Baldwin County deputy responding to the scene encountered Rice and gave commands for him to drop his weapon, according to the GBI. Rice refused, and an exchange of gunfire followed.
During the shootout, the deputy was struck in the vest and wounded.
Law enforcement officers then entered the home, evacuated the residents and later found Rice dead inside.
One person inside the home was reportedly injured during the initial domestic dispute but did not require medical treatment.
The wounded deputy was taken to Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin for treatment. Authorities have not released the deputy’s condition beyond confirming the deputy survived.
“We are extremely grateful for the outpouring support during this time,” Sheriff Bill Massee said, while also thanking assisting agencies, including the Milledgeville Police Department, Georgia State Patrol, the GBI, Baldwin County Fire Rescue, EMS and dispatchers.
Rice’s body will be taken to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.
The investigation remains ongoing.
