Georgia Police Officer Killed: Shooting Suspect Identified

EASTMAN, GA — A suspect has been identified in Saturday's murder of an Eastman police officer.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which has taken over the case, says Royheem Delshawn Deeds, 24, is being sought by authorities for murder. The GBI, Eastman Police, and the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office are seeking the public’s assistance in reporting his whereabouts. Citizens should not approach Deeds but should call authorities as he is considered armed and dangerous.

A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to Deed's whereabouts.

Officer Tim Smith was shot to death while investigating reports of a suspicious person in the city, located just south of Macon in middle Georgia.

At around 9:30 p.m., Dodge County 911 received a call for a suspicious person near the intersection of Smith and Main Street in Eastman. Smith arrived in the area and encountered an individual. He got out of his patrol car to investigate and was shot by the individual. Smith returned gunfire and the suspect fled the scene.

Smith was transported to an area hospital where he died. Agents and police are actively pursuing leads to identify and apprehend the shooter.

This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI office at 478-374-6988.