Wanted suspect shot, killed by Habersham County deputy

HABERSHAM COUNTY, Ga. - The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating after a man was shot and killed by a Habersham County deputy Sunday morning off U.S. 441.

Authorities tell FOX 5 a lookout was issued out of Stephens County for a man driving a Ford Explorer who investigators said held an elderly woman at gunpoint while trying to take her car from a nursing center in Toccoa at around 8:30 Sunday morning.

Investigators said White County also issued a lookout after the same man got into an altercation with his neighbor at around six Sunday morning.  Deputies said he was armed during the altercation.

"The deputy saw the vehicle that fit the lookout," said Lt. Matthew Wurtz with the Habersham County Sheriff's Office. "Attempted a traffic stop, located the suspect vehicle down by the interchange, it drove north and pulled into this driveway."

The moments leading up to the incident and whether or not a gun was found inside the suspect's vehicle are still under investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Authorities said the deputy who fired his weapon was not hurt.

"He was uninjured during the altercation," said Lt. Wurtz. "He is a veteran of law enforcement; he has been with us for a little while."

The deputy has been placed on paid administrative leave.  The identity of the deceased has not yet been released.