Editor's note: The Courier initially reported the shooting occurred in Gum Branch. It was actually in Hinesville, according to authorities.
A man shot Thursday night by a Liberty County Sheriff's Office deputy while deputies were executing a search warrant at a home on Ed Powers Boulevard in Hinesville was treated at a hospital and is now in custody, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
The man allegedly pointed a gun at deputies during an apparent drug raid. He was identified as Charles Franklin Hyde, 60. The GBI said Hyde did not obey orders to put down his weapon, instead "raised the gun toward deputies," and a deputy fired, hitting him in the hand. Hyde was taken to Memorial University Medical Center for treatment, then released to LCSO.
Here's the GBI press release:
"On Thursday, May 3, 2018, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was requested by the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office to investigate an officer involved shooting."
"Preliminary information from Liberty County authorities indicates that at approximately 10:12 p.m., the Liberty County Sheriff's Office Special Response Team arrived at 207 Ed Powers Boulevard in Hinesville to serve a narcotics search warrant at the residence of Charles Franklin Hyde, 60.
Upon entry into the residence, deputies announced their presence and Hyde confronted them with a firearm. Verbal commands were given by deputies, but Hyde did not comply and raised the gun toward the deputies. A deputy fired his weapon, striking Hyde in the hand. Hyde was transported to Memorial University Medical Center for treatment and later released to the custody of the Liberty County Sheriff's Office.
No law
enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The
GBI will continue its independent investigation. When completed, it
will be turned over to the Atlantic Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s
Office for any action they deem appropriate."