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Man who ran from police during traffic stop found dead

NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating the death of a 40-year-old father of two.

Channel 2 Action News has learned that Ryan Hacker was found dead in the Yellow River in Newton County.

Prior to his death, a Porterdale police officer pulled Hacker over for driving with a suspended license, police Chief Jason Cripps said.

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Cripps told Channel 2's Chris Jose the father of two resisted arrest and attacked the officer.

The officer deployed his Taser, but Hacker continued to fight and eventually ran into the woods, Cripps said.

Police say a K9 unit searched the woods, but could not locate Hacker.

Hacker’s body was discovered nine days later.

“They said they sent dogs but they couldn’t find him, but yet they pull him out of the river where he went into the woods,” said Hacker’s mother, Tamara Harper.

Harper flew in from Illinois to bring back her son’s ashes.

“He had a big heart, many friends and he loved his children,” Harper said.

Cripps said he called in the GBI when Hacker’s body was retrieved from the river. Investigators are also reviewing the officer’s use of force.

Cripps said the officer was not seriously hurt in the altercation with Hacker.

The Newton County coroner confirmed Hacker’s identity. He told Jose the cause of death is still under investigation.

Cripps said Hacker’s car was impounded and a small yellow pill was found inside.

“They owe me that. They owe his kids that,” Harper said. “Don’t make him sound like a bad guy. Just tell me the truth. What happened?”