Editor’s Note: On October 25, a Hall County Sheriff’s deputy shot and killed 25-year-old Javier Manuel Soto of Gainesville after Soto allegedly opened fire on the deputy. The GBI is investigating the officer-involved shooting. On October 28, Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch released the following statement regarding the incident.
“For the fourth time this year, the Hall County Sheriff’s Office has had the need to call on the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to conduct a probe of an officer-involved shooting in our county. The latest incident occurred the night of October 25, 2022, when one of our deputies was called to a location on F. Gilmer Road in the Gillsville area.
Our deputy arrived at the scene just before 10 p.m. and found a man and a woman standing outside of a vehicle which was blocking the roadway. As our deputy was talking with the subjects, it became apparent to him the male subject was being deceitful. For the deputy’s safety, he instructed the man to turn around so he could pat him down for weapons. Instead of complying, the man suddenly reached behind his back, pulling out a handgun, and began firing at the deputy. One bullet struck the deputy’s magazine pouch on his duty belt, which ultimately kept the bullet from entering his body. Our deputy exchanged gunfire with the man, striking him multiple times. The man died at the scene. Our investigation later determined the vehicle occupied by the couple was stolen. In addition, the deceased man had an active warrant for his arrest.
I want to remind everyone about the dangers our deputies face each and every day as they strive to keep our community safe. In my 40 years of law enforcement, I have never seen our deputies facing any greater dangers than they do today. Had the bullet strayed an inch, our deputy could have been critically injured – or even killed – Tuesday night.
None of us goes to work thinking we will have to take someone’s life. Unfortunately, there are times when we are called to use deadly force. The offender in this case made the decision to open fire on our deputy and died as a result of his felonious actions.
Our deputy has been placed on administrative leave with pay as the GBI works to complete its investigation. Once state agents finish their work, their findings will be submitted to the Hall County District Attorney for review.
As your Sheriff, I ask that you remember the men and women of the Hall County Sheriff’s Office as they go to work for you each day. We consider it an honor and a privilege to serve you.”
