Officers identified in weekend shooting

Published 5:55 pm Thursday, April 30, 2020

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Two Hogansville police officers have been identified after being involved an officer-involved shooting this past weekend.

According to Georgia Bureau Investigations Officer Jeremy Dockins, Hogansville Police Sgt. Shane Fitch and Officer Joshua McCoy were involved in the shooting. During the altercation, Fitch was the officer shot, but Dockins said he couldn’t comment on which officer fired their gun at the suspect. 

Fitch has since been treated for non-life-threatening injuries and has been released from the hospital.

According to previous information from the GBI, Faron Morris Hammond, 61, was shot and killed after firing at officers with a shotgun this past Saturday. Authorities say officers responded twice to 600 Lincoln Street in Hogansville due to noise complaints on Saturday evening. The first was a call at 9:28 p.m., but officers left the residence without contacting Hammond.

At 9:40 p.m., a second 911 call was made regarding a noise complaint by another complainant. Officers arrived on the scene, made contact with Hammond, and after a brief conversation, Hammond fired a 12-gauge shotgun and struck Fitch.

The officers returned fire, striking and killing Hammond inside the residence, according to GBI.

The GBI is continuing its independent investigation of the officer-involved shooting. Upon completion of the investigation, the results will be turned over to the Coweta Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review. On Thursday, Dockins wouldn’t comment on the nature of the incident and what led to the escalation of the altercation.

Hogansville Police Chief Brian Harr said Thursday the two officers had been placed on administrative leave, which is typical during an officer-involved incident. He said the department is conducting an internal investigation into the matter, and there is no timeline as to when the investigation would be complete.

“We are offering the officers anything they need during this time,” Harr said.