Hall County, GA (October 26, 2022) – The GBI is investigating an officer involved shooting in Hall County, Georgia.  The Hall County Sheriff’s Office asked the GBI to conduct an independent investigation on October 25, 2022.  One man was shot and died at the scene.  No officers were injured.

Preliminary information indicates that a 911 caller reported a vehicle was stopped in the middle of F. Gilmer Road just off Highway 52 in Hall County.  A Hall County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrived on scene and found a man and woman standing outside of the car.  During the investigation, a man identified as Javier Manuel Soto, age 25, of Gainesville, GA pulled a weapon, firing multiple shots at the deputy and hitting the deputy in his duty belt.  The deputy fired multiple times, hitting and killing Soto. 

The woman ran from the scene into the woods.  Other deputies who arrived on scene quickly found her.  She was taken to a local hospital for evaluation.   

The GBI will conduct an independent investigation.  Once complete, the file will be given to the Hall County District Attorney’s Office for review.

Contact

Assistant Special Agent in Charge Dustin Hamby

[email protected]