CARTERSVILLE GEORGIA, The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is conducting an independent investigation following a deputy-involved shooting in Cartersville that resulted in the death of a suspect on March 17.
Authorities identified the deceased as 45-year-old Justin Eric Hardin of Canton.
According to preliminary findings, the incident began at approximately 3:00 p.m. when deputies with the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, along with agents from the Bartow-Cartersville Drug Task Force, attempted to execute an arrest warrant related to an ongoing narcotics investigation.
Investigators said Hardin was initially located in the parking lot of a Days Inn along Highway 20. When deputies attempted to take him into custody, he fled the scene in an SUV, leading to a brief vehicle pursuit.
The pursuit ended beneath the Interstate 75 and Highway 20 overpass, where deputies used a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver to stop the vehicle. After the stop, deputies issued verbal commands for the occupants to exit.
A passenger, identified as 44-year-old Angela Green of Acworth, complied with the commands, exited the vehicle, and was taken into custody without incident.
According to the GBI, Hardin refused to comply with repeated commands to exit the vehicle. Deputies then used OC spray in an attempt to gain compliance, but those efforts were unsuccessful. Deputies later broke the driver’s side window in an effort to remove him.
At that point, investigators said Hardin produced a firearm and fired at deputies. Deputies returned fire, striking Hardin. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
During a search of the vehicle, authorities reported finding a significant quantity of suspected methamphetamine.
Angela Green was arrested in connection with the drug investigation and transported to the Bartow County Detention Center.
The incident remains under active investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and additional details are expected to be released once the inquiry is complete.
