Shooting By Police Officer Investigated by GBI

AUBURN, GA — The GBI is investigating a police officer-involved shooting that happened Sunday afternoon in Auburn.

According to preliminary information from the Auburn Police Department, a 911 call was made at about 4:07 p.m., reporting a domestic disturbance in the 300 block of Wages Road.

Officer Billy Willis arrived and was advised by a woman at the address that her male attacker had left the scene and run into a wooded area behind the home.

Sgt. Jeff Scott arrived and began searching the woods, where he encountered Stephen Frank Nichols, 46. Nichols, according to police, pretended not to be himself when officers asked. He then drew a firearm and fired at the officer, according to police.

Scott returned fire, striking Nichols multiple times. Nichols was transported to Gwinnett Medical Center, where he was in serious condition Monday.

No officers were injured during the incident.

The GBI will conduct an independent investigation to determine what happened leading up to the shooting. When the investigation is complete, it will be turned over to the Barrow County District Attorney's office.

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