GBI: Man shot after pointing gun at deputy in Walton County

LOGANVILLE, Ga. (FOX 5 Atlanta) - Investigators said a man acting strangely in the middle of a busy Walton County highway led to a deputy-involved shooting Tuesday afternoon. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has since been asked to investigate.

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It started around 3:29 p.m. along Highway 81 near Tara Commons Drive.

"A Walton County Sheriff's deputy sheriff on routine patrol in Loganville observed a black male standing in the middle of Highway 81 apparently dancing," said Special Agent in Charge Mike Ayers.

Agent Ayers said the deputy turned his patrol car around to investigate the odd behavior. That’s when the man, identified as 19-year-old Hasani Romario Paisley of Logansville, ran off into the woods. The deputy gave chase on foot. The GBI said during the foot chase, the man pointed a gun at the deputy. Investigators said the deputy pulled his Taser and gun from his belt.

"As they passed through the wood line area, the individual turned again, faced the officer, the officer fired one to two rounds," Ayers said.

Paisley was taken to an area hospital where the GBI said he underwent surgery and was listed in stable condition early Tuesday evening. 

The deputy was not physically injured, but Walton County Sheriff Joe Chapman said all shooting take a toll on law enforcement officers.

"He's doing fine except having to deal with the emotional stress of having to open fire on another human being," Chapman said.

The deputy has been placed on administrative leave with pay as the investigation continues.

The name of the officer had not been released as of early Tuesday evening.

The GBI was asked to investigate the officer-involved shooting.