HALL COUNTY, Ga. — A traffic stop involving Hall County deputies ended in gunfire early Sunday morning.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
Around 3 a.m. Hall County deputies tried to stop a car that officials say was driving erratically on Interstate 985 and State Route 365 northbound.
The driver, identified as 26-year-old Austin Cole Abel, of Cleveland, turned from SR 365 onto eastbound Lula Road (State Route 52) with a Hall County deputy following Abel’s car.
The HCSO said Abel opened fire on the deputy’s patrol vehicle and the deputy returned fire.
According to the sheriff’s office, neither was injured.
TRENDING STORIES:
- One person injured in shooting outside of Mall of Georgia
- MARTA releases name of bus driver killed over $2.50 fare, police still searching for suspect
- UGA Head Coach Kirby Smart’s dad dies after falling in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve
Deputies said, Abel continued driving his car on Lula Road, then drove into a ditch, flipping his car.
Authorities said the 26-year-old complained of minor injuries but refused medical treatment. He was then taken into custody.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation will investigate the officer-involved shooting aspect of the incident. HCSO investigators are investigating the other aspects of the incident.
Around 12:40 p.m., Lula Road (SR 52) was reopened between Clarks Bridge Road and Romey Savage Road.
The sheriff’s office said, the investigation is active, but there’s no danger to the public.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Abel is charged with the following:
- Four counts of aggravated assault on a peace officer
- Fleeing/attempting to elude
He was also charged with the following misdemeanors:
- DUI drugs-less safe
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Improper left or right turn
- Wireless communication use while driving
- No safety belt
- Failure to allow emergency vehicle to pass
- Failure to maintain lane
- Driving in an emergency lane
- Following too closely
- Three counts of obedience to traffic control devices
- Obstruction of an officer
He remains in the Hall County Jail with no bond.
©2025 Cox Media Group
