The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says the man who died during a traffic stop in Hancock County shot himself.
According to a news release from GBI spokesperson Nelly Miles, 22-year-old Dequane Williams was a passenger in a car that was pulled over around 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday during a traffic stop on Fairmont Road in Sparta by two Hancock County Sheriff's deputies. A Georgia State Patrol trooper was called to assist with the traffic stop.
Williams got out of the car and approached a deputy who recognized him as having an active arrest warrant. Williams ran away and a second deputy and GSP trooper followed after him. Williams then pointed a pistol in the direction of one of the deputies. The GSP trooper made brief physical contact with Williams, and shortly thereafter, Williams’ gun fired multiple times, hitting himself. Williams died on the scene.
The preliminary investigation shows that no officers fired their weapons during the incident and Williams’ wounds were self-inflicted.
Williams was taken to the GBI Crime Lab where final results of an autopsy are pending.
This is investigation is still underway and once it is complete, the GBI will turn the case over to the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office for review.