VALDOSTA – The man shot by a Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office deputy Tuesday has died, according to reports from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
An autopsy will be performed by the GBI, which will likely take place today, said Special-Agent-in-Charge Jamy Steinberg.
Authorities have not released the identity of the man, who was shot at the Pilot Travel Center off of I-75 Exit 11 at 3495 Madison Highway. He was a suspect in the robbery of a Hahira grocery, which occurred shortly before the shooting took place.
At around noon, the Hahira Police Department received a report of an armed robbery at the Harvey’s Supermarket at 775 Highway 122 West, said LCSO Capt. Stryde Jones.
Deputies caught up with the suspect at the Pilot Travel Center.
“A BOLO (Be-On-The-Lookout) was given to our deputies. One of our deputies encountered who we believe to be the person here at the store. Immediately when they pulled in, our deputy pulled in behind him,” Jones said.
The white male suspect was travelling with a woman in a white car, Jones said. The car was parked next to a gas pump directly across from the entrance to the store.
“The gentleman turned out to be armed, and the deputy wound up using force,” Jones said. “Shots were fired, and the gentleman was taken to the hospital.”
The suspect was taken to South Georgia Medical Center for treatment where his condition is unknown.
The woman riding with the suspect was taken into custody, Jones said.
No one else was reportedly hurt or injured during the incident or the robbery in Hahira, Jones said.
The names of the suspects have not been released. The identity of the deputy involved in the shooting will likely not be released until more information is provided by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which is now handling the investigation.
Harvey’s Supermarkets issued the following statement about the incident:
“We are taking this matter very seriously because the trust and safety of our customers and associates is our highest priority. We are fully cooperating with local law enforcement agencies and we thank them for their timely response.”
