TWIGGS COUNTY, Ga. — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has revealed more information about the series of events leading up to a GSP trooper shooting a man Tuesday afternoon.
In a news release, the GBI says preliminary information suggests the trooper, now identified as Sergeant First Class Jason B. Ellis, was going down Highway 57 in an unmarked patrol vehicle when he was side-swiped by someone in a white pickup truck.
After the collision, the driver of the pickup truck drove off, leading Ellis on a 3.5-mile chase.
The GBI says the pickup truck driver and trooper collided a second time during the chase until both of them crashed in the middle of the highway.
As Ellis got out of his vehicle, he noticed the driver pointing a gun at him, according to the GBI.
Ellis reported hearing a gunshot and returned fire, hitting 38-year-old Clinton Smith, of Gordon, in the arm and hand.
Smith was taken to the Medical Center, Navicent Health in Macon with non-life-threatening injuries.
Twiggs County deputies responded and requested the GBI’s help to investigate the use of force.
The GBI says several warrants will be issued later, charging Smith with 3 counts of Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer, Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, Criminal use of a firearm with an altered identification mark, Criminal interference with government property, Fleeing and attempting to elude a police officer, and 2 counts of Duty in accidents involving damage to vehicle (Hit and Run).
Ellis works with the Department of Public Safety's Office of Professional Standards. He is currently on administrative leave with pay, according to Georgia State Patrol, which is standard for trooper-involved shootings.
He's been working with DPS for 20 years.His job at the Office of Professional Standards entails conducting a variety of investigations including internal affairs and pre-employment background cases.
The GBI investigation is ongoing and will be turned over to the District Attorney’s Office after it’s completed.
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