Authorities are searching for the suspect involved in a failed Franklin County traffic stop that resulted in a Sheriff's Deputy firing multiple shots at a fleeing vehicle on Monday.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been called in to lead the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, which took place in Carnesville after an unnamed deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop after seeing an SUV break several traffic laws on Old Federal Road near Plainview Road.
"The SUV failed to stop and lost control, causing the deputy’s car to hit the SUV and become temporarily disabled. The SUV then turned around in a driveway as the deputy was getting out of his car to approach the SUV," said Natalie Ammons, the GBI's Deputy Director of Public and Governmental Affairs. "The SUV then drove toward the deputy and the deputy shot at the SUV several times."
The SUV fled the scene after the shots were fired, and the deputy - who was not injured in the incident - was unable to pursue the suspect.
Ammons said a local citizen found the SUV the following morning, and the vehicle was recovered by the Franklin Sheriff’s Office.
"The driver of the SUV has not been identified," Ammons said. "It is unknown if the driver sustained any injuries."
The case will be turned over to the Northern Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s office once the GBI has completed its investigation.
Ammons said this was the 21st officer-involved shooting the Bureau has investigated this year.
