Driver killed after firing at Coweta County deputies on I-85
I-85 shooting: Coweta County deputies kill armed motorist
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is probing a fatal officer-involved shooting that shut down an interstate Monday afternoon. A traffic stop initiated by Coweta County deputies escalated into gunfire after crossing into Meriwether County.
MERIWETHER COUNTY, Ga. - Coweta County sheriff's deputies shot and killed a driver Monday afternoon after a routine traffic stop on Interstate 85 South turned into a violent shootout.
What we know:
Deputies with the Coweta County Sheriff's Office pulled over a vehicle at mile marker 34 on I-85 S around 1:22 p.m. Monday for a traffic violation, according to the agency.
Officers instructed the driver to step out of his vehicle and were conducting a roadside interview when the suspect suddenly ran back and climbed into the driver's seat.
Deputies tried to pull the driver out of the car and attempted to use a Taser on him, but the deployment had no effect.
During the physical struggle, the man pulled out a firearm from inside his vehicle and reportedly fired multiple shots directly at the deputies.
Officers returned fire, hitting the man.
Emergency medical services were called to the highway immediately, but the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
No sheriff's deputies were injured during the roadside shootout.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was notified and is responding to lead the independent investigation.
Gunfire forces shutdown of I-85 in Coweta County area
State authorities are launching an independent investigation into an officer-involved shooting that took place on a Meriwether County bridge Monday afternoon.
Officials confirmed the deputy involved is okay and survived the shooting without injury.
Local perspective:
Law enforcement officers worked to redirect cars off the road as traffic was seen backed up past the 36-mile marker, roughly one mile from the shooting scene. Motorists are being advised to exit the highway early, with a local exit available in Grantville to bypass the heavy gridlock.
What we don't know:
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased driver or specified what traffic violation initially prompted the roadside stop. It remains unknown how many total shots were fired or how long the interstate lanes will remain closed while state agents process the evidence.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from an official statement released by the Coweta County Sheriff's Office, which detailed the roadside interaction and subsequent shooting.