GBI Investigates Officer Involved Shooting in Muscogee County

Columbus, Muscogee County, GA (December 26, 2023) –  The GBI is investigating an officer involved shooting in Columbus, Muscogee County, Georgia. The Columbus Police Department asked the GBI to conduct an independent investigation on December 22, 2023.  One man, identified as Dwayne Neely, age 19, of Columbus, GA was shot and injured.  No officers were injured in this incident. 

The preliminary information indicates that on Friday, December 22, 2023, at about 6:10 p.m., the Columbus Police Department was dispatched to an individual breaking into vehicles in the parking lot of Peachtree Mall, and the individual pointed a gun at witnesses.  This individual was identified as Dwayne Neely.  Columbus Police Department Officers saw Neely and exchanged gunfire with Neely.  Neely was hit several times; first aid was provided on the scene and Neely was taken to Piedmont Midtown Hospital for treatment of his injuries. 

This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI regional investigative office in Columbus at 706-565-7888.  Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app. 

The GBI will conduct an independent investigation. Once complete, the case file will be given to the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.