72-year-old man shot flare gun at police before Hahira officer-involved shooting

January 16, 2020

HAHIRA, Ga. (WCTV) -- A man has been taken to the hospital after being shot by Lowndes County law enforcement on Thursday evening in Hahira.

The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office tells WCTV around 7 p.m. on Thursday, Hahira Police were called to an apartment to serve a warrant.

Deputies say the person, 72-year-old Leo Nesmith, refused to let them in and shot a flare gun at officials.

Police then shot tear gas into the apartment. Once inside, authorities say they found the man armed with a cross-bow.

According to LCSO, the man tried to shoot it at police and HPD officers shot him in return.

The man is being taken to a hospital for treatment.

No law enforcement were injured. As of 2 p.m. Friday, deputies believed Nesmith was in good condition at the hospital.

Police were trying to serve him an outstanding bench warrant in connection to a disorderly conduct charge.

Lowndes County deputies and the Georgia Bureau of Investigators are also on scene investigating.