Columbus, GA – On Friday, December 29, 2017, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) responded to the scene of an officer involved shooting at the request of the Georgia State Patrol (GSP).

Preliminary information from law enforcement agencies indicates that at approximately 9:30 p.m., GSP and the Columbus Police Department were conducting a DUI checkpoint near Cusseta Road when a Kia Forte, driven by Jarvis Lykes, 35, turned around prior to reaching the officers. A GSP trooper attempted a traffic stop on Lykes’ vehicle, but Lykes failed to pullover.  A vehicle pursuit ensued and Lykes drove into a residential neighborhood on Lumpkin Court, which is a dead-end street.  Lykes stopped and exited his vehicle.   A physical altercation between Lykes and the trooper occurred as Lykes attempted to reenter his vehicle.  During the altercation, the trooper fired one shot which struck Lykes in the upper torso.  GSP and Columbus police officers rendered aid until EMS responded.  Lykes was transported to Midtown Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.  An autopsy will be performed at the GBI Crime Lab in Decatur.

The trooper was not injured during the incident. A search of the Kia Forte by GBI agents found a handgun inside a container in the driver’s area.

The GBI will conduct an independent investigation to determine what occurred during the incident.  When the investigation is complete, it will be turned over to the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office for review.

Bahan Rich – Public Affairs Deputy Director | Decatur | [email protected]