An incident involving a use-of-force by Georgia State Patrol has resulted in the death of a Pavo man. Kevin James Kennedy, 44, failed to survive injuries sustained during his arrest in Colquitt County, Georgia. The Georgia State Patrol had requested the GBI to investigate the situation, according to a press release from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
On the afternoon of August 22, a trooper patrolling near State Road 33 and Lanier Road noticed Kennedy driving a blue 4-wheeler, which matched descriptions related to recent area thefts and burglaries. Ignoring the trooper's emergency lights, Kennedy led a pursuit across fields and highways, during which his attempted evasion caused the 4-wheeler to overturn after colliding with the patrol car. Following the crash, Kennedy attempted to escape on foot.
Kennedy was apprehended with the aid of a GSP K-9 unit, which bit him during the chase. The trooper, who alongside responding EMS and local deputies attended to Kennedy's injuries on scene, handcuffed him thereafter. Despite being given immediate medical treatment and later taken to a hospital in Macon, Kennedy succumbed to his injuries on August 27.
Kennedy's body has been scheduled for an autopsy at the GBI Crime Lab. An active and ongoing inquiry, the case awaits review by the Southern Judicial Circuit District Attorney Brad Shealy.
