Crime
Justin Hardin killed in shooting involving Bartow deputies
CARTERSVILLE, Ga. — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is conducting an independent investigation following a deputy-involved shooting in Cartersville that resulted in the death of a suspect on March 17.
Authorities identified the deceased as 45-year-old Justin Eric Hardin of Canton.
According to preliminary findings, the incident began at approximately 3:00 p.m. when deputies with the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, along with agents from the Bartow-Cartersville Drug Task Force, attempted to execute an arrest warrant related to an ongoing narcotics investigation.
Investigators report that Hardin was initially located in the parking lot of a Days Inn along Highway 20. When deputies attempted to take him into custody, he fled the scene in an SUV, initiating a brief vehicle pursuit.
The pursuit concluded beneath the Interstate 75 and Highway 20 overpass, where deputies executed a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver to bring the vehicle to a stop. Following the stop, deputies issued verbal commands for the occupants to exit the vehicle.
A passenger, identified as 44-year-old Angela Green of Acworth, complied with commands, exited the vehicle, and was taken into custody without incident.
According to the GBI, Hardin refused to comply with repeated commands to exit the vehicle. Deputies then deployed OC spray in an effort to gain compliance, but those efforts were unsuccessful. Deputies subsequently broke the driver’s side window in an attempt to remove him from the vehicle.
At that point, investigators say Hardin produced a firearm and fired at deputies. In response, deputies returned fire, striking Hardin. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
During a subsequent search of the vehicle, authorities reported locating a significant quantity of suspected methamphetamine.
Angela Green was arrested in connection with the drug investigation and transported to the Bartow County Detention Center.
The incident remains under active investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Further details are expected to be released upon completion of the inquiry.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan. — A 23-year-old man from Riverton has died following a shooting at a rural property in Cherokee County, Kansas, and his 19-year-old brother has been booked into jail on a second-degree murder allegation, according to information released by authorities.
The victim was identified as Gannon Reece, 23, of Riverton, Kansas. The suspect was identified as Joshua Wilson, 19, also of Riverton, who is the victim’s brother.
According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail on suspicion of second-degree murder. Formal charges are expected to be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Authorities said the Cherokee County Emergency Communication Center received a 911 call on October 23, 2026, reporting that a person had been shot at 4971 SE 67th, in a rural area of Cherokee County.
Deputies were dispatched to the location to investigate the reported shooting.
When deputies arrived, they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Cherokee County Emergency Medical Services personnel examined the victim and determined that he had died.
The suspect, who authorities later identified as Joshua Wilson, was still at the scene when deputies arrived. Officers immediately detained him as the investigation began.
Authorities subsequently identified the deceased man as Gannon Reece and confirmed that Wilson was his younger brother.
Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail in connection with Reece’s death on suspicion of second-degree murder.
According to the information provided by authorities, formal charges will be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office. The available information does not specify whether prosecutors have formally filed the charges in court or whether Wilson has appeared before a judge.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the circumstances that led to the shooting.
No details have been released about what preceded the incident, whether an argument occurred, or what may have motivated the shooting. Authorities have not provided information about a possible firearm recovery or any other evidence beyond the initial circumstances described in the report.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation with assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Investigators are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding Reece’s death and gather evidence relevant to the case.
Authorities have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Officials also announced a temporary road closure affecting SE Lostine between Highway 69A and SE 60th.
Motorists were advised to use alternate routes until further notice while the closure remained in effect. The information provided did not specify when the roadway would reopen.
Drivers traveling through the area were encouraged to follow local traffic instructions and allow additional time for their journeys.
The fatal shooting has resulted in the death of a young Riverton resident and the arrest of his 19-year-old brother.
While authorities have identified both men and disclosed the booking allegation, several details remain unknown, including the events leading up to the shooting and the formal status of the prosecution.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and Cherokee County Attorney’s Office are continuing to investigate.
Joshua Wilson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.