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GSP trooper shoots man after Newton County pursuit

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Updated  March 27, 2026 10:40pm EDT
Newton County
FOX 5 Atlanta
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Authorities cordoned off a portion of a Newton County neighborhood Friday after a person was shot by a Georgia State Patrol trooper on March 27, 2026 (FOX 5 Atlanta).

The Brief

    • A Georgia State Patrol trooper shot a 20-year-old man following a pursuit in Covington Friday.
    • Investigators say the suspect fled on foot with a firearm before the trooper fired.
    • The GBI is investigating the shooting while the suspect remains hospitalized

NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. - A 20-year-old Covington man was shot by a Georgia State Patrol trooper Friday afternoon. 

What we know:

The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Old Oak Court near Salem Road.

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, troopers were attempting to pull over Jamari Thurman while assisting GBI Metro Gang Task Force (MGTF) agents. 

The GBI stated the stop was for a traffic violation. 

Thurman led troopers on a pursuit that ended in the cul-de-sac of Old Oak Court. 

Investigators say Thurman fled the vehicle on foot; when a trooper saw Thurman was holding a firearm, the officer fired a shot, striking him.

A GSP spokesperson confirmed the trooper was not injured. Thurman was flown from nearby Liberty Middle School to a hospital.

What we don't know:

It is unclear if that person will face charges.

What's next:

The GBI will investigate the use of force and turn over its findings to the Alcovy Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office.

The Source: The details in this article come from the Newton County Sheriff's Office, the Georgia State Patrol, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

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