JASPER - A tense afternoon near the Pickens County VA Clinic on East Church Street ended with police shooting one person Tuesday and another individual being airlifted to a hospital, according to authorities. City officials called the area a "controlled scene" and urged residents to steer clear while investigators locked down the site.
Officers were dispatched around 1:30 p.m. after reports of shots fired in the area. When they arrived, they were confronted by an individual who was shot during the encounter, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. The outlet reports that at least one other victim was found at the scene and taken for medical care before being airlifted. That person's condition has not been released. The Pickens County Sheriff's Office is assisting Jasper police in the ongoing investigation.
Investigation and who is handling it
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation's investigative division responds to requests for help from local law enforcement in major crimes, including officer-involved shootings, the agency notes on its website. GBI agents typically handle evidence collection, forensic work and witness interviews to provide an independent review of cases where officers discharge their weapons. Officials say the probe in Jasper is active and that more information will be released as it is confirmed.
Local response and safety
The City of Jasper posted on Facebook that the scene was under control and asked people to avoid the area, FOX 5 Atlanta reported. Police initially described the situation as involving an "active shooter" before later stating that an individual had been shot by officers. Authorities have not released the name or condition of the person who was shot and are asking anyone with information to contact investigators.
What we do not yet know
Officials have not released a possible motive, the identity of the person shot by police or the condition of the airlifted victim. The GBI and local agencies say they will provide updates when appropriate. Anyone with tips or relevant footage is asked to contact law enforcement. This story will be updated as officials share confirmed information.
