An officer-involved shooting in Tifton, Georgia is currently under investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) following a violent confrontation that occurred as Tifton Police Department officials attempted to serve a search warrant. According to a press release from the GBI, the incident left two investigators injured and 35-year-old Davy Deonte Royal charged with multiple felonies.
The events unfolded last Friday, when officers, backed by the GBI's Special Operations Unit, approached Royal's residence on Lee Avenue to execute the warrant. Upon announcing their presence and knocking, Royal opened fire, striking two investigators, as reported by the GBI. They returned fire before Royal barricaded himself inside the home finally, surrendering after a few hours without further incident.
The two wounded Tifton Police investigators were promptly transported to hospitals where they are receiving treatment for their injuries. The severity of their injuries has not been disclosed, but they are reportedly under medical care following the shooting. The investigation into the shooting has been handed over to the GBI, which has a standard operating procedure of overseeing investigations into police use of force to ensure an independent review of the circumstances.
Royal is now facing serious charges that include five counts of Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony,and two counts of Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder. He is currently detained at the Coffee County jail as he waits for the legal process to unfold. The GBI will conclude their inquiry and then forward their findings to the Tift County District Attorney's Office, which will examine the case file for prosecutorial decision-making.
