Suspect Killed In Officer-Involved Shooting During Drug Investigation In Bartow County

CARTERSVILLE, Georgia – An investigation is underway following an officer-involved shooting in Bartow County that left one man dead.

On March 17, 2026, around 3:00 p.m., deputies with the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office and agents with the Bartow-Cartersville Drug Task Force attempted to execute an arrest warrant tied to a drug investigation.

Authorities initiated a vehicle stop in the parking lot of a Days Inn off Highway 20 in Cartersville. Investigators said the driver, identified as 45-year-old Justin Eric Hardin of Canton, fled the initial stop, leading deputies on a short pursuit.

Deputies performed a PIT maneuver under the Interstate 75 and Highway 20 overpass, bringing the vehicle to a stop.

Officers gave commands for the occupants to exit. A passenger, identified as 44-year-old Angela Green of Acworth, exited the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.

Hardin refused to comply with commands to exit the vehicle. Deputies deployed OC spray into the vehicle in an attempt to gain compliance, but Hardin still refused.

Deputies then approached the vehicle and broke the driver’s side window in an effort to remove him. At that point, authorities said Hardin produced a firearm and fired at deputies.

Deputies returned fire, striking Hardin.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. No deputies were injured during the incident.

Investigators also reported that a large amount of suspected methamphetamine was found inside the vehicle.

Green was arrested in connection with the drug investigation and transported to the Bartow County Detention Center.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been requested to conduct an independent investigation. Once complete, the case will be turned over to the Bartow County District Attorney’s Office for review.