AUGUSTA, Ga. () – Just days after gunshots rang out in front of Glenn Hills Middle School, Sheriff Eugene Brantley is speaking out. 

“It’s a sad situation for both the officer, the guy involved, and the community as a whole,” said Brantley.

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office released body camera footage of the incident Tuesday. 

After getting called to a home on Primrose Drive on March 13th, video shows Deputy David Hopkins going down Glenn Hills Drive in pursuit of the suspect, Brandon Hill.

The caller told deputies Hill had broken windows at her home, and stolen her firearm before fleeing the scene.

Hopkins made contact with Hill in front of Glenn Hills Middle School.

Hopkins asks Hill to show his hands—but after he raised a gun, Hopkins drew fire.

“Anytime an officer gives you verbal commands to put your hands up in an area where they can visibly see your hands and make sure they’re safe, that’s what I think citizens should do,” Brantley said.

An independent review by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office determined that Deputy Hopkins was justified in his use of force and acted within department policy.

They were chosen to handle the review over the GBI. 

“Columbia County has the same resources and same standards as the GBI. They’re also not as backed up as the GBI,” said Brantley.

The Sheriff says incidents like this also point to the importance of addressing mental health. 

“The mental health problem is rampant—not just here in Richmond County, but throughout America. We don’t have enough mental health facilities to help deal with all the mental health patients, and people who need mental health. Every day, you’re dealing with situations, and you never know what someone is going through,” Brantley added.

The investigation is ongoing, and the case will soon be sent to judicial court. 

The Sheriff could not provide an update on Hill’s condition, but at last check he was in the hospital in critical condition.