GBI Investigates Officer Involved Shooting in Douglas County

Lithia Springs, GA (April 24, 2023) – The GBI is investigating an officer involved shooting in Douglas County, GA. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office asked the GBI to conduct an independent investigation on April 23, 2023. One man was shot and killed. No deputies were injured during the incident.

The preliminary information indicates that on April 23, 2023, at approximately 9:58 p.m., Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a 911 call from a Lithia Springs home on Brook Street, in reference to a domestic dispute. When deputies arrived, they found a woman covered in blood and attempting to get away from a man inside the home, identified as Robernard Benjamin, age 39, of Lithia Springs. Deputies saw Benjamin armed with a knife inside the home. Deputies gave Benjamin verbal commands to drop the knife that he did not obey. Benjamin then charged at the woman and toward deputies while holding the knife. One of the deputies shot Benjamin and he died at the scene. Deputies rendered aid to the woman, who was taken to an area hospital and treated for multiple stab wounds. The GBI Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy on Benjamin.

The GBI will conduct an independent investigation. Once complete, the case file will be given to the Douglas Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.