GBI: Wanted man died from self-inflicted gunshot wound in officer-involved shooting on Nov. 7 in Crisp Co.
CRISP Co., Ga. – UPDATE – (November 13, 2025):
Preliminary information from the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office, as well as other evidence gathered during the investigation, indicates Calhoun died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. GBI agents have met with Calhoun’s family to share facts from the case.
Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Cordele Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.
On November 7, 2025, a tragic incident occurred in Crisp County.
First and foremost, the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office would like to express our gratitude to the community for your understanding as the Georgia Bureau of Investigation conducted a thorough investigation.
After a comprehensive review of the autopsy and video evidence, it has been confirmed that while a deputy did fire a single shot, Mr. Calhoun took his own life while fleeing from deputies.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Calhoun’s family during this difficult time.
The final step in this process will be to turn over all investigative findings to the District Attorney’s Office for review. This matter remains under active investigation.
Once again, we thank our community for your ongoing trust and patience as we strive to ensure transparency, integrity, and accuracy in every step of this process.
ORIGINAL RELEASE:
(November 8, 2025) – At the request of the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, GBI Agents are investigating an officer involved shooting in Crisp County, GA. One man died in the incident. No officers were injured.
Preliminary information indicates that on Friday, November 7, 2025, the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office received information that Deonte Rashad Calhoun, age 25, of Tifton, GA, was traveling to Crisp County, GA, and was wanted on four counts of Aggravated Assault. Crisp County Deputies spotted Calhoun on Frontage Road in Cordele, Georgia, and initiated a traffic stop. Calhoun stopped, got out of the car, and ran away. Deputies then pursued Calhoun. During the chase, there was an exchange of gunfire. Calhoun was shot and pronounced dead at the scene.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Americus at 229-931-2439. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
This investigation is active and ongoing. The GBI will conduct an independent investigation, and the results will be turned over to the Cordele Judicial Circuit for their review.
CRISP Co., Ga. — Earlier Friday afternoon, deputies and investigators with the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office were alerted to a potential threat involving a suspect believed to be traveling to Crisp County to pick up an employee at Crisp County High School.
At approximately 2:30 p.m., law enforcement established a perimeter around the school to ensure the safety of students, staff, and the community. The goal was to intercept and apprehend the suspect before he reached school grounds.
At 3:15 p.m., deputies observed the suspect’s vehicle on Frontage Road. The suspect pulled into a hotel parking lot in the area. Upon contact, the suspect exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Deputies pursued the suspect as he ran across Frontage Road toward an unoccupied shopping complex.
The suspect brandished a weapon and fired at deputies, deputies then returned fire. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was requested to conduct an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting, and is currently on scene.
Crisp County School Superintendent Dr. Williams was notified prior to deputies making contact with the suspect. Following the incident, the involved teacher was taken into custody at Crisp County High School and transported to the Sheriff’s Office.
The Crisp County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Crisp County School System and the GBI for their cooperation and swift response. Additional information will be released by the GBI as the investigation continues.
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