Muscogee County, GA (March 24, 2020) – On Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at approximately 12:18  AM, the GBI was requested by the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office to conduct an officer involved shooting investigation.

Preliminary information indicates that on Monday, March 23, 2020, at approximately 5:00 PM, the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office criminal investigations unit began conducting surveillance of Christopher O’Brien Lawrence, 30 at The Hills apartment complex, 3528 Gentian Boulevard, Columbus.  Lawrence was wanted in reference to multiple outstanding felony arrest warrants.

At approximately 11:30 PM, deputies saw Lawrence exit an apartment and get into the driver seat of a white Toyota Camry. Deputies then surrounded the Toyota Camry and attempted to arrest Lawrence.  At that time, Lawrence attempted to leave the area and when doing so, hit and injured a deputy with the Toyota Camry. Three deputies discharged their handguns at Lawrence and then engaged in a brief chase in the parking lot of the apartment complex. The chase ended with deputies being involved in a wreck with Lawrence. The deputies then arrested Lawrence and determined that Lawrence had been shot multiple times.

Both Lawrence and the injured deputy were taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The GBI will continue its independent investigation of the officer involved shooting. Upon completion of the investigation, it will be turned over the Muscogee County District Attorney’s Office for review.

Contact

Special Agent in Charge Fred Wimberly

[email protected]