Suspect Slams Into Deputy's Car, Deputy Shoots In Return: Police

GAINESVILLE, GA — Two Hall County Sheriff’s Deputies escaped injury during an incident early Tuesday morning during a traffic stop.

At 1:10 a.m., deputies pulled an adult male driver over on Mill Street at Athens Street in Gainesville for having a tail light out, according to the preliminary investigation. During the stop, the male driver put his vehicle in reverse and accelerated, ramming into a patrol car.

Following the crash, the suspect drove off, and one deputy shot at the driver, hitting the man in his arm. The suspect’s vehicle then collided with a utility pole down the street.

Deputies secured the vehicle and called for emergency medical responders to treat the suspect. Hall County Fire Services units arrived and transported the man to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The Gainesville Police Department and Georgia State Patrol also responded to assist at the scene.

Sheriff’s Office investigators obtained warrants for the arrest of Marvin Tard Jr., 47, of Stone Mountain, for driving his vehicle at the two deputies involved in the traffic stop near the intersection of Mill Street and Athens Street.

Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office secured warrants for the charges of possession of cocaine, possession of drug related objects, fleeing or attempting to elude and a tail light violation.

The Georgia State Patrol has also charged Tard with several traffic-related offenses, including DUI.

At the Sheriff’s Office request, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been requested to look into the incident.

As part of standard procedure, both deputies involved have been placed on administrative leave.