TROUP COUNTY, Ga. — Deputies shot and killed a man after he pointed a gun at them, authorities said.
Troup County Sheriff James Woodruff told Channel 2 Action News that Roger Dale Sims called 911 early Wednesday morning and said he had just shot his wife.
Sheriff’s deputies and Lagrange police officers responded swiftly to Sims' home on Lower Big Springs Road. Woodruff said Sims, a truck driver, was standing on his porch holding two guns when they arrived.
“He comes out into the yard, fires the guns into the ground. (He was) told again to put the guns down. (He) puts one on the back of a pickup, puts the other one to his head," Woodruff said.
Woodruff said Sims refused to put the guns down.
“He then points the gun toward the officers who fire on him,” he said.
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Sims was shot multiple times.
Four sheriff’s deputies and two Lagrange police officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave.
Authorities said it was later discovered that Sims' wife had actually passed away 14 months ago in a car accident.
“The officers and deputies did exactly what they are trained to do in these unfortunate situations and I am grateful for them and the LaGrange Police Department,” Sheriff James Woodruff.
Woodruff said he spoke with Sims' family members.
“He was at a family member's home on Sunday and had talked about committing suicide said his faith wouldn’t let him do it," Woodruff said.
The sheriff said Wednesday's incident was a ruse to lure them out there.
"I think he knew what he was doing. Is it suicide by cop? Can I label it that? All indicators appear that but it does appear he called us out there for a confrontation," Woodruff said.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating the scene.