Murder suspect dead after police pursuit on I-20 in Columbia County

GROVETOWN, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A murder suspect is dead after a police pursuit on I-20 in Columbia County that shut down traffic for hours.

Traffic was blocked on I-20 eastbound near Jimmie Dyess Parkway by mile marker 194 from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Friday.

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office tells us the incident involved a Gwinnett County murder suspect.

Deputies say they conducted a PIT maneuver on the suspect, who then committed suicide, according to the sheriff’s office.

The male suspect was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:21 p.m., and an autopsy has been scheduled, according to the Columbia County Coroner’s office.

The car ended up in a ditch, and officials worked through the evening to get the car out.

Georgia State Patrol also responded to the scene and is assisting with the investigation.

This isn’t the first time this year that Columbia County deputies have pursued a potentially dangerous suspect. Back in April, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Brandon Sikes was killed in the line of duty during a shooting on I-20 near Belair Road.

An encounter with an RV driver claimed the life of Deputy Sikes and seriously injured Deputy Gavin White.

There are no other reported injuries in Friday’s incident.

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