x
Breaking News
More () »

GBI: Man opens fire on Houston County deputies, injuring 1

The GBI says deputies were responding to a domestic dispute on Danube Way, when a man inside the home opened fire on them.

BYRON, Ga. — A Houston County deputy is injured after a man opened fire Sunday morning in Byron.

According to Special Agent in Charge J.T. Ricketson with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, four Houston County deputies responded to a domestic dispute at 207 Danube Way in Byron around 7 a.m.

That's near Dunbar Road.

He says when they got there, three deputies approached the house. 

The subject inside, later identified as 47-year-old Michael Leatherwood, asked who it was.

The deputies responded, saying it was Houston County, and that's when at least one deputy heard a rifle racket behind the door, according to Ricketson.

The deputies retreated to safety, and they saw Leatherwood peer over the fence in the backyard.

Afterwards, Leatherwood allegedly exited the front door and opened fire on the deputies, Ricketson says.

The GBI says three of the deputies returned fire.

Leatherwood was hit at least once, and one deputy was hit in the hand.

The deputy was treated on scene, and Ricketson says Leatherwood is in critical condition at the Medical Center, Navicent Health and is heading into surgery.

Ricketson says the GBI was called out to help investigate about 20 minutes later.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more details become available.

RELATED: Here's what the GBI says led a Georgia State Patrol trooper to shooting a man

RELATED: GBI: 15-year-old arrested for accidentally shooting, killing Dodge County teen

RELATED: 'It would have a detrimental effect all over Georgia': Bibb sheriff talks proposed GBI crime lab budget cuts

STAY ALERT | Download our FREE app now to receive breaking news and weather alerts. You can find the app on the Apple Store and Google Play.

STAY UPDATED | Click here to subscribe to our Midday Minute newsletter and receive the latest headlines and information in your inbox every day.

Have a news tip? Email news@13wmaz.com, or visit our Facebook page.

Before You Leave, Check This Out