The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is conducting an independent investigation into an officer-involved shooting that occurred Tuesday afternoon in Bartow County, leaving one man dead.
According to the GBI, the incident happened around 3:00 p.m. on March 17, 2026, when deputies with the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office and agents with the Bartow-Cartersville Drug Task Force attempted to execute an arrest warrant related to a drug investigation.
Authorities identified the suspect as Justin Eric Hardin, 45, of Canton. Officials say deputies initiated a vehicle stop in the parking lot of the Days Inn on Highway 20 in Cartersville. Hardin allegedly fled the scene, leading deputies on a brief pursuit before a PIT maneuver was used to stop his SUV beneath the Interstate 75 overpass at Highway 20.
After the vehicle was stopped, deputies issued commands for the occupants to exit. A passenger, identified as Angela Green, 44, of Acworth, complied and was taken into custody without incident.
Investigators say Hardin refused to exit the vehicle. Deputies deployed OC spray in an attempt to gain compliance, but Hardin continued to resist. Deputies then broke the driver’s side window in an effort to remove him. At that point, authorities say Hardin pointed a firearm at deputies and fired. Deputies returned fire, striking Hardin.
Hardin was pronounced dead at the scene. No deputies were injured during the incident.
A large quantity of suspected methamphetamine was reportedly found inside the vehicle. Green was arrested in connection with the drug investigation and transported to the Bartow County Detention Center.
An autopsy will be conducted at the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office. Once the investigation is complete, the case will be turned over to the Bartow County District Attorney’s Office for review.