A traffic stop initiated over cancelled insurance escalated into a fatal police shooting late Wednesday night in Rockdale County, leaving one man dead.
Walton County Sheriff’s officials say Charles Rice, 31, of Covington, was driving a 2001 GMC Yukon when Walton County deputies attempted to pull him over.
According to the GBI, Rice accelerated away, leading deputies on a chase that ended near 4300 Haralson Mill Road. in Rockdale County. Deputies used a precision immobilization technique to halt the vehicle.
Upon stopping, deputies say Rice exited the SUV and attempted to flee on foot. In the ensuing confrontation, deputies deployed a taser on Rice. However, the situation intensified when deputies say Rice pulled a firearm from his waistband and fired at the deputies.
The deputies responded with gunfire, killing Rice.
A female passenger in the Yukon remained unharmed during the incident.
At the time of the confrontation, Rice had active felony arrest warrants.
This incident marks the 63rd police shooting the GBI has been asked to investigate this year.
Thom Chandler
Thom Chandler is the editor of The Georgia Sun and has been writing, editing and managing websites and blogs since 1995. He is a lifelong Georgian and one of those increasingly rare Atlanta natives.
