Spalding County deputy dies after being shot in Griffin, standoff over
Spalding County deputy killed during welfare check
A Spalding County sheriff's deputy has been shot and killed during a gun battle during a welfare check on Deason Street. Sheriff Darrell Dix identifies the gunman as Todd Lamont Harper, a man with a history of mental health issues. He was arrested after a SWAT standoff and booked into jail.
SPALDING COUNTY, Ga. - A Spalding County deputy is dead after being shot in the head on Friday morning at a residence on Deason Street in Griffin.
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, 55-year-old Sgt. Marc McIntyre and another deputy were responding around 11 a.m. to a domestic call when the deputy was shot. The deputy died after being transported to a nearby hospital.
The suspected shooter refused to come out of the home for several hours. Eventually, entry was made into the home and the suspect was dragged out from underneath a bed.
The suspect is 57-year-old Todd Lamont Harper, according to Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix.
Harper is being held at the Spalding County Jail, according to the sheriff. Dix also said that Harper may be suffering from some sort of mental illness.
Spalding County sheriff's deputy killed in line of duty
A Spalding County sheriff's deputy has been shot and killed during a gun battle during a welfare check on Deason Street. Sheriff Darrell Dix identifies the gunman as Todd Lamont Harper, a man with a history of mental health issues. He was arrested after a SWAT standoff and booked into jail.
Another deputy was injured during the incident. The deputy suffered some sort of injury to his hand but was not shot.
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the shooting, including the Georgia State Patrol.
Who is Marc McIntyre?
Sgt. Marc McIntyre, 55, a military veteran, educator, and law enforcement officer, tragically lost his life during a welfare check in Griffin. Serving with the Spalding County Sheriff's Office for over eight years, McIntyre rose to the rank of supervisor in the patrol division and was a valued SWAT team member.
Prior to his service in law enforcement, McIntyre joined the U.S. Army in 1988, demonstrating exceptional skills as a rifleman and earning accolades in various competitions. He later transitioned to civilian life, working in New York before dedicating nearly a decade to education as a paraprofessional.
Known for his leadership and exemplary service, McIntyre was recognized for life-saving actions, including administering Narcan to save a homeless man from overdose. His impact was felt deeply within the Spalding County Sheriff's Office, where colleagues described him as a source of inspiration, always ready to support and guide.
READ MORE ABOUT SGT. MARC MCINTYRE
The community mourns the loss of this dedicated public servant, and funeral arrangements for Sgt. McIntyre are pending announcement. His legacy endures through the memories of those he touched with his compassion, leadership, and commitment to service.
Investigator Marc McIntyre is congratulated by Spalding County Sheriffs Darrell Dix for five years of service on July 31, 2020. (Spalding County Sheriff's Office)
This is the fifth Georgia law enforcement officer to die in the line of duty in 2023.
It also is the fifth deputy killed in the line of duty in Spalding County since 1980.
It was the 104th officer-involved shooting in the state this year.