A police officer in Adairsville was shot early Thursday morning during a confrontation with a wanted suspect, prompting the officer to return fire in what authorities describe as an act of self-defense.
According to preliminary information, the incident occurred at approximately 1:15 a.m. on April 23, 2026. Officials say the suspect, who was wanted on multiple felony charges, opened fire on an Adairsville Police Officer, striking the officer in the chest. The suspect then attempted to shoot the officer two additional times.
Despite being wounded, the officer returned fire, striking the suspect multiple times. The officer survived the encounter and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was treated and later released.
The suspect was also taken to a hospital but later died from injuries sustained in the exchange.
Authorities secured the scene shortly after the shooting and turned the investigation over to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Officials with the Adairsville Police Department said no further details will be released until the state agency completes its full investigation.
