Law enforcement release new details in deadly-officer involved shooting

Lowndes County investigators release new details about Wednesday’s deadly officer-involved shooting, including that the suspect had a gun and how an unmarked truck was stolen.

Deputies were alerted about a vehicle that Austin Hines reportedly stole from North McCrary Road that morning.

A detective spotted the stolen truck on Ridge Road and that’s when the pursuit started into the city.

Investigators say Hines hit several vehicles, including a deputy’s patrol car.

He then drove the stolen truck between a set of railroad tracks, near 7th Avenue North, and got stuck.

Deputies report Hines jumped out, leaving a 15-year-old female inside the vehicle.

He then reportedly pointed a weapon at a deputy. That deputy fired at Hines and shortly afterward the Columbus man stole an unmarked patrol truck.

Hines drove among several officers and that’s when several law enforcement shot at the truck.

The suspect died at the scene.

Three Lowndes County deputies and one Columbus officer have been placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation, which is standard procedures.