GBI investigates deadly shooting of suspected car thief in Athens, officers on leave
ATHENS, Ga. - The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been called to investigate a shooting involving police where the suspect was killed.
The incident happened after 9:17 a.m. Thursday near Newton Bridge Road and Fritz Mar Lane in Athens.
According to Athens-Clarke County Police, officers attempted to stop a vehicle that had been confirmed stolen out of Jackson County. As officers followed the vehicle, it left the roadway in and a single adult male occupant took off into the woods.
Officers established a perimeter around the man, identified as 37-year-old Winterville resident Timothy Statham, and attempted to negotiate with him to surrender for an extended period of time. At one point Statham advanced toward officers in a threatening manner, with his hand concealed under his shirt and made references to having a gun, according to a news release from Athens-Clarke County Police Department.
"Officers used less lethal munitions in an attempt to stop the advancing threat. The less lethal munitions did not have the desired effect and the individual continued advancing toward officers in a threatening manner, indicating that
he had a firearm," the release stated.
"In response, several ACCPD officers discharged firearms, striking the man. The individual was pronounced deceased at the scene."
No officers were injured.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigations was requested to handle the investigation, which is ACCPD policy. The involved officers were placed on administrative assignment pending a preliminary review of the incident.
Officials have identified the officers involved as Senior Police Officer Jamie Jones, who discharged the less-lethal 40-mm sponge round, Sgt. Tim Johnson, Officer First Class Dustin Tilley, and Officer Jerold Rogers.
Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who may have information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation at 706-552-2309.
WATCH: FOX 5 Atlanta live news coverage
_____
Sign up for FOX 5 email alerts
Download the FOX 5 Atlanta app for breaking news and weather alerts.