The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has taken on the case of an officer-involved shooting in Habersham County, as requested by the local Sheriff's Office, following a violent encounter during a traffic stop on Wednesday. A deputy sustained injuries when Jonathan William Harris, the driver who is now on the run, purportedly rammed his vehicle into the deputy's patrol car.
As per the details provided by the GBI's press release, the showdown took place near Juniper Trail in Toccoa around 3:30 a.m. when a deputy pulled over a truck pulling a trailer with two flat tires. Upon the deputy's exit from his vehicle, Harris accelerated his truck into the patrol car, injuring the deputy as a result. After an exchange of gunfire, Harris fled the scene and remains at large.
Harris has been charged with various offenses including Possession of a Firearm/Knife During the Commission of a Crime, and Aggravated Assault Upon a Law Enforcement Officer. The truck and trailer he was driving had been reported stolen prior to this incident. Additionally, Harris had outstanding warrants for his arrest from an unrelated matter. Meanwhile, Antone Cortez Hall, the passenger in the vehicle, was arrested on the spot and faces multiple charges, including Theft by Receiving Stolen Property and Possession Of Firearm By Convicted Felon, as detailed by the same press release.
The deputy involved in this dangerous encounter only received minor injuries. However, Harris' condition post-shooting has not been disclosed. The criminal aspects of the case are being managed by the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, while the GBI’s investigation will focus solely on the use of force during this incident. Upon completion of their investigation, the GBI will submit their findings to the Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for further review and possible prosecution.
