Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. Additional information will be published as it is made available.
Update #1: March 28, 12 a.m.
Additional information about the trooper-involved shooting near Porterdale has been released by the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS).
The person who was shot during Friday’s incident has been identified as 20-year-old Jamari Thurman of Covington.
According to a news release from the DPS, Georgia State Patrol troopers were assisting the GBI Metro Gang Task Force agents at 3:27 p.m. on Friday. Per the release, law enforcement attempted to initiate a traffic stop with Thurman on Highway 162 near Brown Bridge Road. Thurman allegedly failed to comply.
“After pausing briefly, Thurman accelerated away and turned onto Old Oak Court,” the release states. “At the end of the cul-de-sac, Thurman stopped the vehicle and fled on foot while holding a handgun.”
One trooper reportedly pursued Thurman, while another remained with Thurman’s vehicle, which had a passenger.
The trooper in pursuit fired his gun, shooting Thurman, according to the release.
“During the foot pursuit, the Trooper running after Thurman discharged his firearm,” the release states. “Thurman was shot and the Trooper then provided medical aid to him until EMS arrived on scene.”
Thurman was LifeFlighted to Grady Hospital. The release notes that he is in stable condition.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is investigating, which DPS said is in accordance with its policy.
“The GBI will conduct an independent investigation,” the agency said in its own statement. “Once complete, the GBI will provide the case to the Alcovy Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.”
It is not immediately clear what charges Thurman might face. The passenger in Thurman’s vehicle has not been identified.
According to jail records, Thurman has been in police custody as recently as January.
On Jan. 21, Thurman was arrested by the Newton County Sheriff’s Office and charged with driving without a valid license and possession of a sawed off shotgun/sawed off rifle/machine gun/dangerous weapon.
Original story below
NEWTON COUNTY — A state trooper-involved shooting outside of Porterdale led to a LifeFlight landing at Liberty Middle School on Friday afternoon.
According to preliminary information from the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), one person was shot off of Oak Landing Drive, near Highway 162. The identity of the person was not immediately released.
The GSP said that the “violator” was shot by the trooper and was subsequently LifeFlighted for medical treatment. The trooper was not shot.
No information about the suspect’s condition was released. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is looking into the incident, the GSP said.
At this time, no additional information has been released about the incident, including whether other parties were involved, any additional identities or what circumstances led to the gunfire.
