Officer-Involved Shooting Leaves Suspect Critical: Deputy Identified
An officer-involved shooting Thursday afternoon in Richmond County began with a deputy’s call to a report of a domestic dispute in the 3500 block of Primrose Drive.
According to information from Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Chief of Staff, Lewis Blanchard, a woman told deputies a man that she knew had stolen her firearm and left the home just before law enforcement arrived around1:00 p.m.
A short time later, Deputy David S. Hopkins believed he spotted the suspect, based on the description given, near 2941 Glenn Hills Drive, in front of Glenn Hills Middle School.
That suspect has now been identified as 31-year-old Brandon Pierre Hill of Augusta
“As the deputy attempted to make contact, the suspect produced a firearm from his waistband, prompting the deputy to discharge his weapon, striking the suspect,” said Blanchard.
Blanchard confirmed Hopkins’ body-worn camera was activated at the time of the incident. It has since been turned over to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Force Investigation Team for review.
The District Attorney’s Office has also been made aware of the officer-involved shooting.
Hopkins has been with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office since 2019. As with all officer-involved shootings, Hopkins is on administrative leave while the case is being investigated.
Officer-Involved Shooting Leaves Suspect Critically Hurt
Hill was shot at least one time and was taken to Doctor’s Hospital. He is still reported to be in critical condition in the intensive care unit.
Blanchard added, “The investigation is ongoing, and additional details will be released as they become available.”
