Accused Harris deputy shooter denied bond

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Staff and wire reports

HAMILTON (AP) — A man accused of shooting a Georgia sheriff’s deputy during a traffic stop has been denied bond.

Joe Lee Garrett, 24, of Phenix City, Alabama, appeared in a Harris County courtroom Monday after having been extradited from Alabama, according to news outlets. Garrett is facing numerous charges, including aggravated assault on a police officer.

Deputy Jamie White pulled over Garrett about 7:30 p.m. Saturday on Interstate 185, Harris County Sheriff Mike Jolley said. The incident reportedly occurred near the 30 mile marker between Hamilton and Pine Mountain.

White took Garrett’s driver’s license and spoke with Garrett and the front seat passenger for about seven minutes. Garrett then pulled out a gun and shot White above the left eye, Jolley said. Once White was shot, Garrett exited the vehicle, got his license and drove away.

Garrett turned himself in to Phenix City police the next day, authorities said.

White is recovering, said Jolley, but may lose sight in his left eye.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.