Oconee Deputies Kill Armed Man While Responding to Suicidal Call

Overview

• Deputies went to a home off Friar Road after a 7:22 p.m. Thursday call reporting a man who had cut himself remained armed and threatened further harm.
• When officers encountered the man he pointed a weapon at deputies and at least one deputy fired, striking him; deputies began life-saving measures but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
• No deputies were injured and the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office has handed the case to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for an independent inquiry.
• Authorities have not released the deceased man's identity the exact type of weapon involved or how many deputies fired during the encounter.
• The GBI will gather scene evidence and statements before releasing findings which could affect any criminal decisions and local policies for responding to mental-health crises.