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Georgia sheriff’s deputy described as ‘life of the party’ found shot dead in wrecked car

A Fulton County sheriff's deputy who was not on duty was found shot to death

FULTON COUNTY, GEORGIA: Authorities say a Fulton County sheriff's deputy who was not on duty was found shot to death in a damaged automobile in the middle of a road in northwest Atlanta on Thursday morning, December 29. When authorities arrived at the intersection of Bolton and Peyton roads at roughly 4:30 a.m., the only vehicle spotted over there was the deputy's car, according to Atlanta police Maj. Peter Malecki. Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat identified the deputy as a 24-year-old from Mississippi who he described as “the life of the party.” The deputy’s name was not released while they continue notifying his family.

The other car driver involved in the possible wreck who killed the deputy as per the officials quoted by WSBTV wasn't discovered at the scene and might have fled away after shooting the deputy. The reports at the time of the incident suggested that all lanes between I-285 and Jackson Pkwy in NW Atlanta had been shut down as police investigated the black car probably belonging to the deputy, which had incurred damages to both the front and back ends.

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"Confirmed. A Fulton County Sheriff’s deputy was found shot dead in a wrecked car this morning. The car was found on Bolton Road at 4:30 AM. Police still don’t know the circumstances that led to the shooting," Madeline Montgomery Tweeted. "Fulton County Sheriff’s Office confirms one of their deputies is the victim of a deadly shooting on Bolton Road…found shot to death inside a car after crash with another vehicle that left the scene," Steve Gehlbach wrote.

Reports suggest that the Sheriff's office has not identified the deputy. Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat also came down to the scene, as well as officers with Jonesboro police and Rockdale County sheriff’s deputies. Notably, he was driving a gray Ford Fusion, which did not appear to be a patrol vehicle, as per AJC.

According to Malecki, reported the outlet, the deputy was discovered already dead from a gunshot wound in the driver's seat. He said that a bystander saw the collision and dialed 911. The subject was helping with the inquiry. Investigators have not ruled out road rage as a motive as per the outlet. “I know it was early in the morning, but if anybody saw a vehicle accident, heard gunfire, or has any information at all that can assist us, we ask that they please come forward and provide us with that information,” Malecki said.

This is a developing story and MEWW will keep you updated