GBI: Man in 'mental distress' killed by deputies after firing shotgun at them

SPALDING COUNTY, Ga. — The GBI is investigating a deadly deputy-involved shooting in Spalding County.

Police say the shooting happened around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday on Bonnie Ridge Drive in Griffin. They say a mother called 911 saying her adult son was in mental distress.

When deputies arrived they tried to talk to the man and de-escalate the situation, sheriff’s officials said.

They said the man wouldn't talk to them about what was wrong. Instead, he went to an outside shed and came back with a shotgun and started shooting at deputies, officials said.

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Deputies said they shot back, killing the man.

The man was later identified as 35-year-old Ryana Force.

Channel 2's Tyisha Fernandes spoke with Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix, who said deputies did not want this outcome.

"They are devastated," Dix told Fernandes.

The sheriff said he believes the shooting was recorded.

"The officers were wearing body cameras. The entire incident was captured," Dix said.

Cox Media Group