The Gainesville man who was shot and killed by a Hall County Sheriff's deputy Tuesday evening reportedly had active warrants out for his arrest and was standing next to a stolen vehicle at the time of the incident, according to authorities.
Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch released a statement Friday morning containing more details about the incident on F. Gilmer Road in Gillsville.
Couch said the deputy arrived at the scene at about 10 p.m. and found a man, later identified as Javier Manuel Soto, 25, and a woman standing outside of a vehicle that was blocking the roadway.
"As our deputy was talking with the subjects, it became apparent to him the male subject was being deceitful," the statement reads. "For the deputy’s safety, he instructed the man to turn around so he could pat him down for weapons."
However, Couch said Soto instead suddenly reached behind his back, pulled out a handgun, and fired at the deputy.
One bullet struck the deputy's magazine pouch on his duty belt. This stopped the bullet from entering the deputy's body, potentially saving his life. The deputy then fired shots at Soto, striking him several times. Soto died at the scene. Soto had an active warrant out for his arrest, and the vehicle he was standing near had been stolen.
"I want to remind everyone about the dangers our deputies face each and every day as they strive to keep our community safe," Couch said. "In my 40 years of law enforcement, I have never seen our deputies facing any greater dangers than they do today. Had the bullet strayed an inch, our deputy could have been critically injured – or even killed – Tuesday night."
The deputy was placed on administrative leave with pay while the Georgia Bureau of Investigation completes its investigation of the incident. The GBI's findings will be submitted to the Hall County District Attorney for review once complete.
"None of us goes to work thinking we will have to take someone’s life," Couch said. "Unfortunately, there are times when we are called to use deadly force. The offender in this case made the decision to open fire on our deputy and died as a result of his felonious actions."
This is the fourth time the Hall County Sheriff's Office has called the GBI to investigate an officer-involved shooting in the county in 2022.
"As your Sheriff, I ask that you remember the men and women of the Hall County Sheriff’s Office as they go to work for you each day," Couch said. "We consider it an honor and a privilege to serve you."
