In a tragic turn of events, a Coweta County Sheriff’s Deputy in Georgia lost his life when he was struck by an Alabama police officer following a high-speed police pursuit of a stolen vehicle that crossed the state line into Alabama on January 4th, 2024. Now, both law enforcement agencies are grappling with the repercussions of a pursuit that took a tragic and unforeseen turn.
As described by Coweta County Sheriff Lenn Wood, the incident occurred shortly after Coweta County Deputy Eric Minix had successfully employed stopsticks to disable a suspected stolen Dodge Challenger. The pursuit had started in Georgia and continued into Chambers County, Alabama. While Deputy Minix was outside his patrol vehicle, issuing commands to the Dodge’s driver, another officer approached but was unable to stop in time, resulting in a collision with Deputy Minix. Tragically, he was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
“DS Eric Minix was a dedicated Deputy and K9 Officer, but more importantly, he was a friend to everyone who knew him. Eric leaves behind a loving wife and three daughters,” a statement from the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office said. “We have lost a good deputy. We have lost a good man. We have lost a good friend.”
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Sheriff Wood stated that an ongoing investigation is being conducted to determine why the officer, Cornelius Robinson of the Lanett Police Department, was unable to stop in time to avoid hitting Deputy Minix. During a press conference earlier today, Sheriff Wood mentioned that he had not received any specific reasons for the incident at that time. Meanwhile, Officer Robinson has been placed on administrative leave as the investigation continues.
“Our hearts are heavy today as another Georgia law enforcement officer has lost their life in the line of duty. Earlier today a Coweta County Deputy was killed in an automobile accident after the conclusion of a vehicle pursuit that ended in Alabama on Interstate 85.
Multiple agencies were assisting on the scene including our own deputies who immediately rendered aid to the injured deputy,” a statement signed by Troup County Sheriff James Woodruff said. “We send our thoughts and prayers to Sheriff Lenn Wood, the staff of the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office, and the family and friends of the deputy.” According to Lagrange News, the Police got their suspect but at an incredibly high cost.