Overview
- A traffic stop on I‑85 escalated into gunfire when deputies say the stopped motorist returned to his vehicle, resisted removal and opened fire, and deputies returned fire fatally striking the driver.
- Authorities say deputies used a Taser during the roadside struggle before the exchange of gunfire and that no deputies were injured in the incident.
- The Coweta County Sheriff's Office requested the GBI to take over the case, which is standard when a law enforcement officer fires a weapon.
- The stop began under Coweta County jurisdiction and briefly crossed a small section of Meriwether County, and southbound lanes of I‑85 were partially closed with motorists advised to use the Grantville exit to bypass backups.
- Officials have not released the driver’s name and say body‑worn camera footage, ballistic tests and an autopsy are being collected and reviewed before further public updates or decisions on charges.