Richmond County (Georgia) Sheriff's Deputy David Hopkins advances toward the suspect after the shooting. The suspect told the deputy he wanted to die.Richmond County SO
The Richmond County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office released dramatic video footage Tuesday of last week’s deputy-involved shooting that left an armed suspect in critical condition. The incident appears to have been caused by the suspect forcing the deputy to shoot him in an apparent suicide-by-cop attempt.
Last Thursday, Richmond County deputies were dispatched at 1:08 p.m. following a call about a domestic dispute. The female complainant reported that Brandon Hill, 31, had broken windows at her home and stolen her firearm before fleeing the scene. Deputies began searching for Hill, and at 1:29 p.m., Deputy David Hopkins located him walking near an elementary school.
After confirming Hill’s description, Deputy Hopkins used his vehicle’s PA system to issue commands, asking Hill to raise his hands. As Hopkins exited his vehicle, he ordered Hill multiple times to drop the weapon. Instead, Hill raised the firearm and pointed it at Deputy Hopkins on two occasions, as shown in the in-car video footage. In response to this immediate threat, Deputy Hopkins fired his weapon, striking Hill, the Augusta Press reports.
Hill was immediately secured, and Deputy Hopkins began rendering aid while calling for emergency medical services. During the encounter, Hill made numerous statements that he wanted to die and that he wanted the deputy to kill him or let him “go.”
Hill survived the shooting but was in critical condition late last week.
