UPDATE: RCSO confirmed that David S. Hopkins, a Deputy Sheriff who has been with RCSO since August 2019, is the Deputy in the officer involved shooting on March 13. He has been placed on paid administrative leave.

RICHMOND COUNTY, Ga. () – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that happened in front of Glenn Hills Middle School on Thursday.

According to the RCSO, deputies responded to a domestic at a residence on the 3500 block of Primrose Drive, and upon arrival, the deputies spoke with the female complainant, who reported that a male suspect known to her had stolen her firearm and left the residence just before deputies arrived.

According to authorities, a responding deputy located the suspect based on the description that was provided, who was walking on Glenn Hills Drive in front of Glenn Hills Middle School. As the deputy attempted to make contact, the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Brandon Hill, produced a firearm from his waistband, prompting the deputy to discharge his weapon, which struck the suspect. The incident report states that the deputy provided aid until EMS arrived.

A representative with the Richmond County School System sent an official statement to NewsChannel 6 stating that RCSO made administrators aware of shots fired int he area surrounding GHMS, and all of the students and staff are safe and sound. However, out of an abundance of caution, classroom transitions were limited and outdoor activities were suspended for the rest of the day.

According to RCSO, the suspect was transported to Doctors Hospital in critical condition.

Authorities state that the deputy’s body-worn camera that was activated during the incident has been turned over to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Force Investigation Team for review, and the District Attorney’s Office has also been notified.

This is an ongoing investigation.