Columbus police officer placed on administrative leave after returning fire from suspect

The Columbus Police Department announced Thursday an officer has been placed on administrative leave after returning fire and striking a suspect.

Police said the officer-involved shooting took place in the area of 42nd Street and Lakewood Drive.

Officers responded to a reported domestic dispute around 1:18 a.m., according to a news release.

Police said a male suspect fired shots at an officer upon the police arriving. The officer returned fire to neutralize the threat, the news release says.

The suspect was taken to a local hospital and is listed in stable condition, according to police.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been notified and will lead the investigation, police said.

CPD’s Office of Professional Standards will conduct an internal review, the release says.

The name of the officer hasn’t been released. The Ledger-Enquirer has requested the officer’s name, years of experience, bodycam video and CPD’s policy on use of force.

A news release posted to the GBI’s website identifies the suspect as 25-year-old Jacob Kyle Brannon. The GBI said Brannon was shot and injured in the incident.

The GBI said Brannon ran away from the scene when an officer arrived and shot at the officer with a handgun while running away. The officer returned fire and struck Brannon multiple times, according to the GBI.

The GBI asks anyone with information about this incident to call the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Columbus at 706-565-7888.

This story was originally published February 6, 2025 at 10:08 AM.