A kidnapping investigation that began in the Hinesville area ended Tuesday morning in Appling County after a multi-agency pursuit culminated in an officer-involved shooting near Graham. According to information provided by the Jeff Davis County Sheriff’s Department, authorities were initially contacted after a family member of the alleged kidnapping victim reported that a woman had been abducted. Investigators were reportedly able to track the victim’s phone location, which initially placed the suspect vehicle at the Dollar Store on Coffee Street in Hazlehurst.
Law enforcement officers responded to the area, but the vehicle—a black Chevrolet Malibu—had already left. Officers later located the vehicle in the Walmart parking lot in Hazlehurst. As officers attempted to stop the vehicle, it allegedly struck a deputy’s patrol car and sustained a flat tire after being forced onto a curb. It then fled the scene, leading officers on a pursuit toward Graham. The pursuit left Jeff Davis County and entered Appling County. As the trooper reached the scene, the fleeing driver pulled over, ending the vehicle pursuit. The driver got out of the vehicle and immediately began to flee on foot.
According to the Georgia State Patrol, a trooper gave the suspect multiple verbal commands. The GSP stated that the suspect failed to comply and, at one point, reached toward his waistband. The trooper then discharged his firearm, striking the suspect multiple times. The suspect was airlifted by helicopter to a hospital for treatment. As of the time of publication, no official update on his medical condition has been released. Officials confirmed that the female victim was not injured. Authorities also confirmed that no additional suspects fled the scene.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting, which is standard procedure in Georgia. Any criminal charges related to the reported kidnapping are expected to originate from the Hinesville area, where the investigation began. Hazlehurst Now will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as additional information is released by investigating agencies.
