Columbus, GA (May 3, 2018) – On Wednesday, May 2, 2018, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was requested by the Columbus Police Department to investigate an officer involved shooting.

Preliminary information indicates that at approximately 4:28 p.m., the Columbus Police Department’s Fugitive Unit had Damien Collier, 24, under surveillance at a housing complex located at 3400 8th Avenue in Columbus.  Collier was wanted for outstanding arrest warrants related to a shooting incident for aggravated assault and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon charges.

At approximately 4:50 p.m., Collier was witnessed by officers getting into a Ford Fiesta being driven by Tangerious McKelvey, 28.  Upon McKelvey driving out of the apartment complex, officers driving undercover police cars and a marked unit surrounded the Ford Fiesta at 35th Street and River Road. Officers approached the Ford Fiesta on both the driver and passenger sides at which time Collier reportedly pulled out a handgun.  Two (2) officers fired their service weapons, striking Collier multiple times. Collier was transported to Piedmont Columbus Regional Midtown Campus Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.  An autopsy will be performed at the GBI Crime Lab in Decatur.

There were no officers injured during the incident. McKelvey was not shot during the incident but was treated for minor injuries at the hospital. 

The GBI will continue its independent investigation. Once completed, the case will be turned over to the Muscogee County District Attorney’s Office for review.

Contact Information:

Fred Wimberly - Special Agent in Charge - [email protected]