Georgia State Trooper Shoots Kidnapping Suspect After Foot Chase in Appling County

APPLING COUNTY, Ga. – A Georgia State Patrol trooper shot a kidnapping suspect Tuesday morning after a vehicle pursuit ended and the suspect allegedly fled on foot before reaching toward his waistband, authorities said.

According to the Georgia State Patrol, the incident began July 21 when a trooper assigned to Post 16 in Hazlehurst responded to assist the Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Office with a pursuit involving a suspect wanted on an active kidnapping charge.

Authorities said the pursuit began in Jeff Davis County and continued into neighboring Appling County.

When the suspect stopped the vehicle, he immediately exited and fled on foot, prompting the trooper to give chase.

The Georgia State Patrol said the trooper repeatedly gave lawful commands for the suspect to stop, but the suspect continued running. During the pursuit, the suspect fell to the ground and allegedly refused additional commands from the trooper.

Investigators said the suspect then reached toward his waistband while continuing to ignore the trooper’s commands.

The trooper fired his service weapon, striking the suspect multiple times.

The suspect was airlifted to a hospital for treatment. Authorities have not released the suspect’s identity or information about his medical condition.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was requested to investigate the officer-involved shooting, which is standard procedure in Georgia.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the GBI is expected to release additional information as it becomes available.