Laurens County Deputy Fires at Fleeing Burglary Investigation Suspect in Dublin

DUBLIN, Ga. – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Laurens County after a sheriff’s deputy fired at a fleeing suspect during a foot pursuit Tuesday afternoon, October 20, 2026.

The suspect, identified as Charles Daniel McMahan, 36, of Dublin, was not struck by gunfire and was subsequently arrested by the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office on unrelated charges.

Neither McMahan nor the deputy was injured during the incident.

Deputy Approaches Man on Bicycle During Burglary Investigation

According to preliminary information released by the GBI, the incident occurred at approximately 2:09 p.m. on Fire Tower Road in Dublin.

A Laurens County Sheriff’s Office deputy approached McMahan, who was riding a bicycle, to question him about an ongoing burglary investigation.

When the deputy attempted to speak with him, McMahan allegedly ran away.

The deputy pursued McMahan on foot.

During the pursuit, McMahan pointed an object toward the deputy, according to investigators.

The deputy responded by firing his weapon at McMahan.

The shot did not strike McMahan, and no injuries were reported.

Object Pointed at Deputy Not Identified

The GBI has not disclosed what object McMahan allegedly pointed at the deputy during the pursuit.

Investigators also have not specified whether the object was recovered or whether it was determined to be a weapon.

The agency did not provide details about how many shots the deputy fired or the distance between the deputy and McMahan when the shooting occurred.

Authorities have not released information about whether body camera or other video footage captured the encounter.

McMahan Arrested on Unrelated Charges

Following the incident, McMahan was taken into custody by the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office.

The GBI confirmed that his arrest was based on charges unrelated to the officer-involved shooting.

However, the agency did not identify those charges or provide details about his booking status, bond or upcoming court appearances.

Investigators also have not disclosed whether McMahan is suspected of involvement in the burglary investigation that initially prompted the deputy to approach him.

GBI Investigating Deputy’s Use of Deadly Force

The Laurens County Sheriff’s Office requested that the GBI investigate the shooting.

GBI agents are examining the circumstances surrounding the deputy’s encounter with McMahan, the subsequent foot pursuit and the decision to discharge a firearm.

Although no one was injured, the incident is being investigated as an officer-involved shooting because a law enforcement officer discharged a weapon at an individual.

The investigation remains active and ongoing.

The GBI has not announced whether the deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave or identified the deputy.