Richmond County Deputy Cleared In Officer-Involved Shooting
A Richmond County deputy who shot and wounded a suspect who allegedly pointed a gun at him last week was justified in his actions, according to a report released today by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Regional Force Investigation Team.
Deputies were called to a report of a domestic dispute in the 3500 block of Primrose Drive on March 13, where a woman told them a man she knew had left the home with her gun.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office said Deputy David Hopkins spotted the suspect, 31-year-old Brandon Hill, walking in front of Glenn Hills Middle School.
Richmond County Deputy Hopkins Spotted the Suspect
“As Deputy Hopkins approached the suspect, the suspect moved from the sidewalk on the north side of Glenn Hills Drive to the south side of the roadway. Deputy Hopkins gave verbal commands over his PA system, telling Hill to show his hands. Instead, Hill reached into his waistband and produced a handgun, raising it in the air. Deputy Hopkins repeatedly told Hill to drop the gun. Rather than dropping the gun, he pointed it at Deputy Hopkins. Deputy Hopkins then fired 5 times at the suspect, striking Hill in the chest,” according to the report released today from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Regional Force Investigation Team.
The team was asked to do an independent review of the incident and determined Hopkins acted lawfully and within policy during the officer-involved shooting.
Hopkins secured Hill’s gun and rendered aid. Hill is still reported to be in critical condition at Doctors Hospital.
The report said the use of deadly force was justified and Hopkins did not violate the Official Criminal Code of Georgia.
The District Attorney’s Office was provided body camera and dash-camera footage of the incident, which supports the independent investigation’s findings, according to DA Jared Williams.
Richmond County Sheriff Eugene Brantley said the full video of the incident will be released on Tuesday.
“Our duty is to protect and serve, and with that comes the responsibility of being transparent with the community we serve. We appreciate the public’s trust and understanding as we ensure that every incident is thoroughly investigated and that our deputies receive the support they need,” said Brantley.
Deputy Hopkins has been with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office since 2019.
Hill is no stranger to local law enforcement. He was charged with armed robbery and weapon possession in 2011 and was sentenced to 8 years in prison.
Hill was arrested for theft in 2018 after his release, was taken into custody in 2020 after leading deputies on a chase while under the influence, and arrested in 2021 for battery and criminal trespass. Those cases have not gone to trial yet.
