GBI To Investigate State Trooper Shooting Of A Man In Polk County

CARTERSVILLE, Ga. - The Georgia State Patrol has requested help from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation in an investigation of an officer-involved shooting in Polk County.

The incident took place early Saturday morning when GSP while troopers were conducting a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) patrol on Fish Creek Road at approximately 12:15 a.m, according to a release issued by the GBI on Saturday.

A vehicle attempted to elude law enforcement, prompting GSP Troopers to pursue it until it was stopped at the intersection of Collard Valley Road and Old Collard Valley Road.

One passenger exited the vehicle when the chase ended. As Trooper Johnathan Mason made contact with the driver, identified as Jason Dennis Watkins, 36, Watkins accelerated the vehicle. During the encounter, Trooper Mason shot Watkins. Watkins was taken to Polk County Hospital, where he died. An autopsy will be performed at the GBI Crime Lab in Decatur.

The GBI will continue its independent investigation to determine what occurred during the incident. Upon completion, the results will be turned over to the Tallapoosa Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office for review.

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