Man shot, killed trying to ram drug agent during sting, Cherokee County deputies say
Man shot, killed by officers during undercover drug sting, investigators say
A man trying to flee from drug agents during an undercover drug sting at the Holly Springs Walmart on Monday was shot and killed. Investigators said the man tried to ram an agent while getting away. He did flee the scene, but crashed nearby. He died at the hospital.
HOLLY SPRINGS, Ga. - A man who was wanted for drug trafficking was shot and killed after trying to ram a law enforcement agent during a sting, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office said.
It happened around 7:30 p.m. Monday in the parking lot of the Holly Springs Walmart located off Holly Springs Parkway near Interstate 575.
The Cherokee Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad was conducting an undercover sting and was set to make an arrest. Investigators said, as agents moved in, the man tried to flee, ramming an agent’s vehicle and then driving at a law enforcement officer.
"They want to contain them best they can, but it’s not uncommon for these types of transitions to occur in busy parking lots. That’s often where the suspects want them to happen," said Cherokee County Sheriff's Captain Jay Baker.
Investigators said the agent opened fire on the man, who continued to drive from the scene. The man was injured in the shooting.
He eventually got onto I-575 northbound, but struck a guard rail and turned around. The man ended up going the wrong way on the exit ramp from I-575, striking two vehicles, investigators said.
Law enforcement flooded the area near the Holly Springs Walmart after a report of an officer-involved shooting on June 13, 2022. (Georgia Department of Transportation)
No one in those vehicles were injured.
The man then stopped. Officers attempted to render first aid until medics arrive at the scene. The man was rushed Wellstar Kennestone Hospital where he later died.
The exit ramp from I-575 northbound to the Holly Springs exit was closed due to an officer-involved shooting on June 13, 2022. (Georgia Department of Transportation)
All lanes along Interstate 575 northbound at the Holly Springs exit were shut down during the investigation.
The name of the man has not been released, but investigators said he was wanted for trafficking heroin and fentanyl.
Law enforcement flooded the area near the Holly Springs Walmart after a report of an officer-involved shooting on June 13, 2022. (Georgia Department of Transportation)
Investigators spent hours combing over the two scenes.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation will look into the use of deadly force by the agent. The GBI Crime Lab will also perform an autopsy on the man.
"Well, obviously, this is a very busy Walmart. We’re very happy no one was hurt. They try to do it off to the side a little bit," said Captain Baker.
"This is not a common incident that happens with this drug task force," said Captain Baker.
Law enforcement flooded the area near the Holly Springs Walmart after a report of an officer-involved shooting on June 13, 2022. (Georgia Department of Transportation)
This is the first CMANS agent-involved shooting since 1993, the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office said.
The CMANS is made up of law enforcement from Pickens and Cherokee counties.
The GBI said this is the 60th officer-involved shooting the agency has been asked to investigate in 2022. Investigators said there were only 41 by this time last year.