Sheriff discusses deputy-involved shooting after reviewing the body cam footage

For the first time in roughly 25 years, a Milledgeville-Baldwin County law enforcement officer has shot and killed a member of the public.

The deceased was identified as Tommie Gilmore, 77. The incident, which happened around 11:30 Friday night, occurred on Union Hill Church Road, located off of Ga. 49 and Kitchens Road.

"As the sheriff, it's the last thing that you ever want to happen," Sheriff Bill Massee told Baldwin2k News on Saturday afternoon. "My heart goes out to everyone involved."

Massee said that the deputy's body cam was functioning and called the camera footage "clear."

"I looked at it, and I feel as if the deputy took the appropriate action. (Gilmore) was coming at him with a shotgun, and he pointed the shotgun (at the deputy)," the sheriff said. "I feel very confident that the deputy took the appropriate action."

Massee added that several 911 calls were placed last night after Gilmore "pointed the shotgun at children and other people at the residence."

The GBI was called in and is conducting an "independent investigation," according to a press release.

Added the press release: "A Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a domestic dispute on Union Hill Church Road after multiple 911 calls from the home. When the deputy entered the home, he and other occupants were approached by a man, identified as Tommie Gilmore, age 77, with a shotgun. The deputy gave Gilmore commands to drop the gun, but he pointed the shotgun at the deputy. The deputy shot Gilmore. He was taken to Atrium Health Navicent Hospital in Milledgeville, where he died. Gilmore lived at the home. The GBI Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy on Gilmore."