AUGUSTA, Ga. – An independent review by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office has concluded that a Richmond County sheriff’s deputy acted lawfully and within departmental policy during an officer-involved shooting in front of Glenn Hills Middle School on March 13. The incident, which resulted in the use of deadly force, has now been deemed justified under Georgia law.

According to a press release issued by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO), Deputy David S. Hopkins, who was placed on paid administrative leave on March 14, did not violate any provisions of the Official Criminal Code of Georgia. The investigation, carried out by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office’s Regional Force Investigation, concluded that Hopkins’s actions were in line with the law, and his use of deadly force was justified under O.C.G.A. 16-3-21, which permits the use of force when a law enforcement officer reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent death or serious bodily harm.

“The use of deadly force was justified,” the clearance letter from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office stated. “Deputy David Hopkins did not violate the Official Criminal Code of Georgia.”

In an effort to ensure transparency, the RCSO announced plans to release the full video of the incident on Tuesday, March 18. The department emphasized the importance of sharing the video to provide the public with a complete and unfiltered view of the events that transpired.

The officer-involved shooting has garnered significant public attention, and the release of the video is expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the incident. As of now, no further details have been disclosed regarding the identity of the individual involved in the shooting or the events that led to the deputy’s decision to use deadly force.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has stated it remains committed to ensuring transparency in the investigation and will continue to cooperate with all relevant authorities as the situation develops.