SPALDING COUNTY, Ga. — Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Spalding County Judge Josh Thacker released statements on Friday and Saturday regarding the shooting and death of a deputy.
Two deputies responded to a 911 call reporting a domestic incident at a home in Griffin. When they arrived and crossed the yard, deputies said, Todd Harper, a 57-year-old military veteran, fired at them from a window with a shotgun.
Sgt. Marc McIntyre was shot in the head and later died from the critical injury, while the second deputy suffered a broken hand.
Spalding County Sherriff Darrell Dix said Harper's wife had called 911, reporting that he had threatened her, leading to the confrontation. Deputies had been to Harper's house multiple times before, including a previous incident in January 2021 where he barricaded himself but didn't fire shots, adding that he had a history of mental health struggles.
"Today is an unspeakably sad day for Spalding County.
Spalding County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Marc McIntyre was shot and killed while on duty and responding to a wellness check. A law enforcement wellness check is when law enforcement officers are asked by anyone in our community to go out and help someone in our community to make sure they are okay.
Sergeant McIntyre was a military veteran, a leader in the Spalding County Sheriff's Office, and mentor to the next generation of law enforcement officers.
His service with Spalding County Sheriff's Office began in 2015. In 2017 he graduated from Mandate School and was sworn in by Sheriff Dix as a POST Certified Law Enforcement Officer on September 25, 2017.
I am saddened beyond words that we will need to add another name to the SO's End of Watch monument so quickly after adding Jamie Reynolds.
Bluntly, I don't know how to end this.
I have typed and deleted 7 different endings.
So I am just going to end this as if I was talking to Marc.
Goodbye Marc,
You have been an amazing member of the Spalding County Team. You were a wonderful leader and human being. Words cannot begin to express our gratitude to you for your exemplary service to the United States of America and your sacrifice you made today for Spalding County.
It is always too soon to say goodbye.
We will miss you so very very much.
Josh
Sergeant Marc McIntyre,
Spalding County Sheriff's Office
End of Watch: Friday, December 29, 2023"
