Georgia officer's death: Fisher arrested suspected killer days before
Warms Springs police chief remembers officer killed
Warm Springs Police Officer Christopher Fisher was killed in his patrol car by Jimmy Lee Steverson, authorities say. Court records show Fisher had arrested Steverson days earlier at a gas station where the suspect punched the officer and possessed AR-style rifles.
MERIWETHER COUNTY, Ga. - Newly obtained arrest warrants reveal Warm Springs police Officer Chris Fisher had a violent encounter with the man authorities say would shoot and kill him just days later.
What we know:
The arrest warrants identify Officer Fisher as the officer who was involved in a violent encounter with alleged killer Jimmy Lee Steverson.
Days later, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Steverson pulled alongside Fisher's patrol car, opened fire and drove away. Fisher, 36, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Confrontation days before Fisher's death
According to the warrants, Fisher encountered Steverson at the Marathon in Warm Springs on Aug. 27.
One warrant alleges Steverson had two small plastic bags containing approximately 34.6 grams of marijuana. Another says Steverson had three AR-style rifles while possessing the marijuana. Fisher sought felony charges for possession of marijuana and possession of a firearm or knife during the commission or attempted commission of a crime.
The third warrant describes a physical confrontation between the two.
Fisher alleged that while he was performing his official duties and attempting to take Steverson into custody, Steverson swung at him with a closed fist and struck the officer on the left side of his face.
Steverson was accused of felony obstruction of an officer.
All three warrants were sworn out Aug. 28. Bond amounts listed on the documents totaled $10,000 — $5,000 on the firearm charge and $2,500 each on the marijuana and obstruction charges.
Fisher killed days later
The GBI says Fisher was sitting inside his patrol car late Tuesday when Steverson, 23, pulled alongside him, opened fire and sped away.
Fisher was pronounced dead at the scene.
The search for Steverson extended across state lines. Authorities located his vehicle shortly after 11 a.m. Wednesday along an interstate in Anderson, South Carolina.
Investigators said Steverson was a passenger when deputies stopped the vehicle. According to the GBI, he shot himself during the traffic stop and died a short time later.
Two other people were inside the vehicle. The GBI has not said whether they will face charges.
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Chief explains emotional toll Fisher's death carries
What they're saying:
Police Chief Matthew Mayfield was emotional as he remembered Fisher as a dedicated father and exceptional officer while addressing the suspect's arrest days before the fatal ambush at a news conference on Thursday.
Fisher had only joined the Warm Springs Police Department in May, while the department was in a rebuilding phase.
"Sergeant Fisher was an exceptional person. He cared very deeply for his community. He served with dedication. He served with pride. He was an even better man and an even better father," he said.
Mayfield emphasized the officer's strong work ethic and character.
"He was the hardest working officer that I had. He gave it his all for his entire shift, and he believed in the ability to make a difference. He did this job for the right reasons," he added.
He added that Fisher's loss has taken an emotional toll on his department of six.
"We are, we're very close. We're a close-knit department. We are co-workers and we are friends…. I don't think you can ever prepare for something like this... no leader can ever be prepared for losing one of your own."
When asked about the suspect being released on bond just days after the officer arrested him, Mayfield expressed the department's frustration.
Despite the loss, the chief vowed that the department would honor the fallen sergeant's memory.
"No matter what, we will carry on what Sergeant Fisher's mission was and his legacy, and we will always remember him," Mayfield added.
Jim Stutson came to the memorial from Newnan to pay his respects to the officer.
"My condolences to the family, hard to go through it," Stutson said.
Investigators have not announced a motive
What we don't know:
The timing of the Aug. 27 encounter puts Fisher and Steverson face to face only days before the officer was killed.
The documents show Fisher personally accused Steverson of striking him during the arrest and served as the prosecutor on the warrants that followed.
What the warrants do not explain is whether that confrontation had anything to do with Fisher's killing.
The GBI has not publicly announced a motive or said whether investigators believe the previous arrest played a role in the shooting.
Funeral announced
What's next:
Funeral services for Fisher are scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 8 at Flat Creek Baptist Church at 3 p.m., an online obituary stated.
Investigation continues
Fisher's death marks the fourth time this year a Georgia police officer has died from injuries suffered in the line of duty, according to the Georgia Fraternal Order of Police.
The GBI's investigation remains active. Once completed, the investigative file will be turned over to the Coweta Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office for review and possible prosecution of anyone else who may have been involved.