AUGUSTA, Ga. (WFXG) - The Richmond County Sheriff's Office held a press conference Friday morning to update the public about the deputy-involved shooting that happened Thursday afternoon on Lumpkin Rd.

According to Sheriff Richard Roundtree, a traffic stop led to the shooting confrontation between Augusta Richmond County Sheriff's deputies and a mother holding her five-year old child. The Sheriff says members of his crime suppression team, Deputy John Tarpley and Deputy Tavion Jones conducted a traffic stop at the Charlestowne Apartment Complex at 2119 Lumpkin Rd.

Deputy John Tarpley
Deputy John Tarpley Richmond County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Dantavion J. Jones
Deputy Dantavion J. Jones Richmond County Sheriff's Office

 

According to Sheriff Roundtree, the vehicle was being driven by Darius Rivera. He says Ladaeeje Harvey was in the front passenger seat. The two deputies engaged the driver after the Sheriff says they smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle.

 

Darius Rivera
Darius Rivera Richmond County Sheriff's Office

 The stop escalated quickly as Harvey stepped out of the car with her son, ran and attempted to enter an apartment. Deputy Jones chased and tried to prevent Harvey from entering the apartment.  At the door, a struggle ensued.  A struggle between Deputy Jones and Harvey. Deputy Tarpley secured Rivera in the squad car and then joined Jones in the struggle to get Harvey into custody.  Harvey, with her five year old son in front of her, according to the Sheriff, reached into her purse and pulled out a revolver, firing once and striking Deputy Tarpley in the upper right shoulder. Deputy Jones returned fire striking Harvey at least twice in the legs. She ran but was shortly arrested by Deputies at Margaret Court.

 

Deputy Tarpley was treated for his gunshot wound and released to recover at home. Harvey was also treated, released and booked into the Charles B. Webster Detention Center.  

Darius Rivera was arrested on two outstanding state court bench warrants. The GBI has pending charges against Ladeeja Harvey.

This story is still developing.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Originally, this article reported that the suspect was identified as Ladije Harvey. The sheriff's office has clarified that the suspect is, in fact, Ladeeje Harvey. Ladije and Ladeeja are twin sisters. Ladije is a convicted felon and is incarcerated in Whitworth Women's Facility in Hartwell, Georgia.

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