In Thomasville, Georgia, a shooting broke out on Wednesday afternoon. Alfred Cole, 19, was shot and killed by deputies in his own backyard. The Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI) has launched an investigation into the shooting, which occurred after Cole allegedly pulled out a gun. As the community grapples with the loss, questions arise about the circumstances leading up to the fatal encounter.
The incident took place around 2 p.m. on Meadow Street in Thomasville. According to the GBI, agents from the Thomas County Drug Squad were initially searching for a different individual when they received an alert about a car driving erratically. Upon locating the vehicle, agents attempted to stop it, but the driver, later identified as Cole, refused to comply. After a brief chase, Cole exited the car and allegedly brandished a handgun, prompting the agents to open fire.
Lorenzo Thomas, a resident of Thomasville, recounted the harrowing moment when he heard gunshots outside his home. Rushing to his window, Thomas discovered Cole lying in his yard, bleeding.
The GBI reported that agents immediately provided first aid to Cole after shooting him. He was then transported to a nearby hospital, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries. In a now-deleted Facebook post, the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that deputies had attempted to use a taser before resorting to lethal force.
The incident has sparked public outcry, with many individuals taking to social media to demand the release of body camera footage. The community seeks transparency and accountability as they grapple with the loss of a young life.
As the investigation unfolds, the GBI will meticulously examine the events that led up to the shooting. The release of body camera footage, if granted, may shed light on the circumstances surrounding the use of lethal force.