Two Vidalia police officers shot a man Sunday afternoon when they tried to arrest him on an outstanding warrant during a traffic stop.
What It Means For You: According to the GBI, 47-year-old Travis Kelly Parrish, of Lyons, remains in critical condition at a local hospital after being shot by police at the intersection of MLK Jr. Boulevard and Epstein Street around 1:30 p.m.
What Happened: Officers pulled over a vehicle and discovered Parrish, a passenger, had an outstanding warrant. When they tried to arrest him, one officer used a Taser and then fired a gun, hitting Parrish.
What Happens Next: The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is now handling the case. Once they finish their investigation, they will send their findings to the Middle Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office. That office will decide if any charges should be filed.
The Big Picture: Police shootings in Georgia are investigated by the GBI to provide an independent review separate from the local department involved. This is standard procedure when officers use deadly force.
The Sources: Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
