GBI Investigating Officer-Involved Shooting After Suicidal Man Dies in Oconee County

WATKINSVILLE, Ga. — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been called in to investigate an officer-involved shooting that left a suicidal man dead Thursday evening in Oconee County.

According to the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded at approximately 7:22 p.m. on June 25 to a residence off Friar Road in Watkinsville after receiving a report of a suicidal individual.

Authorities said the caller reported that the man had already injured himself with a knife, remained armed, and was making statements that he intended to further harm himself.

When deputies arrived, they encountered the armed man outside the residence.

According to the sheriff’s office, during the encounter the man pointed a weapon at deputies. At least one deputy then fired their weapon, striking him.

Deputies immediately began life-saving measures, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the independent investigation.

No additional information has been released. Once the investigation is complete, the findings will be turned over to the appropriate prosecuting authority for review.