Suspected gunman in Eastman officer's murder arrested in Fla.
EASTMAN, Ga. - The man suspected of murdering a middle Georgia police officer over the weekend is now in custody.
Eastman Police Officer Tim Smith, 31, was responding to a 911 call Saturday about a suspicious person when he was gunned down, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Early Monday morning, authorities announced the arrest of 24-year-old Royheem Delshawn Deeds, who had been identified as the suspected gunman. He was arrested in Nassau County, Florida, which is north of Jacksonville. According to the Telfair Sheriff's Office, he's currently being held in Florida as he awaits extradition.
Authorities said the 911 call came in around 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Officer Smith went to the intersection of Smith Street and Main Street in Eastman, where investigators said they noticed a person in the area.
The officer then got out of his patrol car and was shot. Smith returned fire, and the suspect ran from the area.
Paramedics rushed Patrolman Smith to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Officer Smith joined the Eastman Police Department in February 2011. He is survived by three children.
The GBI was offering a $10,000 reward for Deeds' arrest. Authorities said he will face murder charges.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI office at 478-374-6988.