On 4/16/24 at 9:59 p.m. SPD officers were dispatched to Copper Beech Townhomes on Statesboro Place Circle for a report of a male unlawfully entering vehicles in the parking lot. Officers arrived and walked into the complex in an effort to detain the suspect. Advanced Patrol Officer Joey Deloach, a 7 year veteran of the Department, observed a male subject matching the description given by the caller inside of a parked vehicle. APO Deloach approached the male and ordered him from the vehicle. The suspect exited the vehicle and exchanged gunfire with APO Deloach, who was struck but able to summon assistance from other officers in the complex. Officers rendered aid to Deloach immediately, rushing him to East Georgia Regional Medical Center from which he was subsequently flown to Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah.
APO Deloach underwent surgery for his injuries and remains at Memorial at this time, his family being present at his side. SPD asks for the public’s prayers for his swift recovery.
After the shooting, the suspect fled on foot into a wooded area before emerging near Brampton Avenue. Here, he was taken into custody by SPD officers and Bulloch County Sheriff’s deputies, who had responded immediately to assist. The suspect was identified as 19 year old Anthony Kent, originally from Vidalia, Ga. Kent had an active felony warrant for his arrest through the Treutlen County Sheriff’s Office. He was also found to have been wounded in the exchange of gunfire with APO Deloach and was transported to East Georgia Regional Medical Center where he was treated. Kent was then transported to the Bulloch County Jail on the charge of Aggravated Assault upon a Public Safety Officer.
Per SPD’s agency policy regarding use of force incidents, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was requested to respond. They did so and remained on scene throughout the night, processing it for evidence and working to identify any witnesses.
GBI’s investigation continues at this point.
SPD would like to thank the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Southern University Police for their assistance at the scene.
Anyone with information on this case should contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Region 5 Investigative Office at 912-871-1121. Information may also be provided to Senior Detective Ben Purvis at 912-764-9911 or by submitting an anonymous tip to www.tipsoft.com or by texting 274637 and entering “TIPSSPD” plus your message.
