A traffic stop on Interstate 85 South in Coweta County, Georgia escalated into a deadly shootout Monday afternoon, leaving one motorist dead. According to the Coweta County Sheriff's Office, deputies initiated a traffic stop at mile marker 34 around 1:22 p.m. for a traffic violation.
The situation quickly turned violent when the driver resisted arrest and attempted to flee in his vehicle. Deputies tried to use a Taser on him but it had no effect. The suspect then pulled out a firearm and fired multiple shots directly at the deputies, who returned fire hitting the man. Emergency medical services were called to the scene, but the suspect was pronounced dead.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been notified and is leading an independent investigation into the incident. No sheriff's deputies were injured during the shooting. The interstate lanes have been completely blocked while state agents process evidence.
Traffic in the area has come to a standstill with motorists advised to exit early at Grantville to bypass the gridlock. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased driver or specified what traffic violation prompted the roadside stop.