GBI Investigates Death of Tennessee Man Following Pursuit and Self-Inflicted Gunshot

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is investigating the death of 35-year-old Robert Smith of Cookeville, Tennessee, following a series of events that spanned multiple counties. The Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office requested the GBI to conduct the investigation.

Preliminary information indicates that Smith was wanted for aggravated assault out of Nashville, Tennessee. On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Smith traveled to Georgia and abandoned his vehicle in metro Atlanta. He then received a ride north. During a stop at a convenience store, the person who gave Smith the ride ran inside, hid, and asked employees to call 911.

Officers from the Calhoun Police Department responded and attempted to engage with Smith. Smith then discharged a firearm once in the direction of the officers. Following this, Smith carjacked a customer at the convenience store and fled northbound on Interstate 75.

After Smith fired at the Calhoun officers, a Be On the Lookout (BOLO) alert was issued for the stolen vehicle. Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office deputies subsequently spotted the car and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. While driving, Smith fired a gun towards the Whitfield County deputies.

Shortly after the attempted stop by Whitfield County deputies, Smith shot himself and crashed the stolen vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The GBI will conduct an autopsy at their Medical Examiner’s Office. Authorities have confirmed that no officers discharged their weapons during the entire incident. The investigation remains active and ongoing.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call. Anonymous tips can 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.

Once the investigation is complete, it will be given to the Whitfield County District Attorney’s Office for review.