Deadly deputy-involved shooting in Cartersville

A high-traffic intersection in Bartow County became a crime scene Tuesday afternoon, March 17, 2026, following a deadly deputy-involved shooting. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has identified the deceased as Justin Eric Hardin, 45, of Canton. The incident occurred around 3:00 p.m. directly under the Interstate 75 overpass at Georgia Highway 20 (Canton Highway), forcing authorities to shutter the busy junction for several hours during the evening commute.