GBI Investigates Officer Involved Shooting in Twiggs County

Macon, Twiggs County, GA, 02/05/2020 - On Tuesday, February 4, 2020, the GBI was requested by the Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office to investigate an officer involved shooting. 

Preliminary information indicates that a Georgia State Trooper was traveling on Highway 57 in Macon, GA when his unmarked patrol vehicle was side swiped by a white extended cab pickup truck.  After the collision, the white truck sped away.  The GSP Trooper initiated his blue lights and siren and attempted to stop the truck.  During the pursuit, which transpired over a 3 ½ mile distance on Hwy 57, ended up traveling into Twiggs County.  The patrol vehicle and the truck collided a second time during the pursuit before both vehicles finally crashed in the middle of the divided highway.  As the Trooper exited his vehicle, he noticed the driver pointing a handgun at him.  The Trooper then heard a gunshot.  The Trooper returned fire and struck the driver in the arm and hand area.  The subject was later identified as Clinton Matthew Smith, 38 years old, with a Gordon, GA address.

EMS was called to the scene and Smith was transported to the Navicent Health Center in Macon for treatment.  The injuries to Smith were non-life threatening.  The Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and requested the GBI to conduct an independent investigation into the use of force. 

Several arrest warrants will be obtained later.  Smith will be charged with 3 counts of Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer, Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, Criminal use of a firearm with an altered identification mark, Criminal interference with government property, Fleeing and attempting to elude a police officer, and 2 counts of Duty in accidents involving damage to vehicle (Hit and Run).

Smith is expected to be released from the Navicent Health Center soon.  He will be transported to the Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office for processing.  This GBI investigation is active and ongoing.  When the investigation is complete, it will be turned over to the District Attorney’s Office for next steps.