Newton County, GA (March 27, 2026) - At the request of the Georgia State Patrol, GBI agents are investigating an officer involved shooting in Newton County, GA. Jamari Thurman, age 20, of Covington, GA, was shot and injured in the incident. No troopers were injured.

Preliminary information indicates that at about 3:30 p.m. on March 27, 2026, Georgia State Patrol (GSP) troopers attempted a traffic stop on Thurman on Old Oak Court in Covington, GA. GSP was assisting GBI Metro Gang Task Force (MGTF) agents with a traffic stop on the car driven by Thurman. Once troopers observed Thurman commit a traffic violation, they initiated the traffic stop. Thurman led troopers on a brief vehicle pursuit before turning onto a cul-de-sac. Thurman exited the car and attempted to escape on foot. Troopers saw Thurman holding a firearm. A trooper shot at Thurman, hitting him. Thurman was taken to an area hospital, where he is in stable condition

The GBI will conduct an independent investigation. Once complete, the GBI will provide the case to the Alcovy Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.

Contact

Public & Governmental Affairs Director Sara Lue

[email protected]

Related Files

  • Newton County GSP OIS (IMG, 4.87 MB)
    The photo shows a house with a red sedan and a GSP patrol car on a street in front of a house. In the foreground, yellow “Sheriff’s Line Do Not Cross” tape stretches across the scene. To the right, a Georgia Bureau of Investigation crime scene unit truck is parked along the street. Trees and wooded area are visible in the background. In the upper right corner, a Georgia Bureau of Investigation badge graphic is visible.