Fatality: Justin Eric Hardin dies in fatal Bartow County shooting

Justin Eric Hardin dies in fatal Bartow County shooting

Fatal Bartow County shooting death of Justin Eric Hardin – Obituary

Authorities have released new details regarding a deadly officer-involved shooting that occurred in Bartow County, Georgia, on March 17. The man who died has been identified as 45-year-old Justin Eric Hardin of Canton.

According to investigators, deputies attempted to stop Hardin’s vehicle around 3 p.m. in the parking lot of a Days Inn on Highway 20 as part of an effort to serve a drug task force arrest warrant. Instead of complying, Hardin drove away, prompting a brief pursuit.

Law enforcement officers used a PIT maneuver to bring the vehicle to a stop beneath the Interstate 75 and Highway 20 overpass. A passenger in the car, 44-year-old Angela Green of Acworth, exited the vehicle and was taken into custody before being transported to the Bartow County Detention Center.

Officials said Hardin refused repeated commands to exit the vehicle. Deputies then deployed a chemical agent inside the car in an attempt to force him out. When officers broke the driver’s side window, Hardin allegedly opened fire on them. Deputies returned fire, striking him.

Hardin was pronounced dead at the scene. No deputies were injured during the encounter.

Investigators reported that a significant quantity of suspected methamphetamine was discovered inside the vehicle.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is conducting an independent review of the shooting, and the findings will be submitted to the Bartow County District Attorney’s Office for further evaluation.