GBI Investigates Officer Involved Shooting in Chickamauga

Chickamauga, GA (August 20, 2020) – On Wednesday, August 19, 2020, at approximately 10:47 a.m., the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was requested by the Walker County Sheriff’s Office to investigate an officer involved shooting involving deputies and Lookout Mountain Drug Task Force (DTF) agents that responded to a domestic dispute in progress at 1363 Brotherton Lane, Chickamauga, GA.

Preliminary information indicates that a female victim that lives at the residence had been beaten and held against her will by Jack Lamar Harris, 60, of Chickamauga. The victim was able to separate herself from Harris and contact Walker County 911 for help. Upon arriving at the scene, Walker County Sheriff’s Deputy Justin Henry, DTF Commander Dewayne Brown, and DTF Agent Robbie Tate made their way towards the back door of the residence. Harris came out of the back door of the residence and failed to respond to verbal commands from the officers to stop and show his hands. Harris reentered the residence and came back out at the officers. The officers continued to give verbal commands for Harris to stop and show his hands and Harris refused to respond. After exiting the residence, officers observed Harris holding a black handgun in his hand. Harris then raised the weapon and pointed it at the officers. The officers again gave verbal commands for Harris to drop the weapon. Harris did not, at which time the officers fired multiple times, striking Harris. Harris was pronounced dead at the scene. The female victim was taken to the CHI Memorial Hospital in Fort Oglethorpe for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

No officers were injured during the incident.

The GBI will continue its independent investigation. When completed, the case will be turned over to the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.