South Georgia standoff leads to police shooting. What we know

The Gist: A Sunday night standoff in South Geoorgia ended in police shooting Donald Bonner Jr., who later died at a local hospital.

According to the GBI, the incident began with Bonner firing random shots in his yard and escalated to threats against law enforcement.

The Details: Authorities say at 6 p.m. on Oct. 1, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office received a distress call about Bonner, who was 45, firing shots aimlessly in his yard.

According to the GBI, attempts to negotiate failed as Bonner threatened law enforcement and retreated into his house, discontinuing further communication. A perimeter was established while awaiting Georgia State Patrol SWAT’s assistance to serve arrest warrants.

Upon arrival, state patrol aviation identified Bonner behind his residence with a weapon. Before negotiations could begin, Bonner was shot once. Despite receiving on-scene medical aid, he was pronounced dead at Memorial Health Meadows Hospital.

This marks the 73rd officer-involved shooting GBI has been called to investigate in 2023.

In Context: Bonner’s clash with law enforcement didn’t start on Sunday. He was wanted for two counts of aggravated assault on law enforcement from a March 2023 incident, where he discharged his weapon in the presence of Montgomery County deputies. At the time, a decision was made to delay the arrest hoping for a safer opportunity away from Bonner’s residence.

What’s Next: The Georgia Bureau of Investigation will carry on with its independent inquiry into the incident. Upon conclusion, the findings will be handed over to the Oconee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.

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