ATLANTA — Georgia leaders are offering up their condolences to the family and community of a Coweta County deputy killed overnight during a vehicle pursuit that led him to Alabama.
Police in Lanett, Alabama, confirmed one of their officers struck the Georgia deputy. The Coweta County Sheriff's Office later said Deputy Eric Minix was the law enforcement officer who died in the line of duty.
"DS Eric Minix was a dedicated Deputy and K9 Officer, but more importantly, he was a friend to everyone who knew him," a Coweta County Sheriff's Office statement said. "Eric leaves behind a loving wife and three daughters. We have lost a good deputy. We have lost a good man. We have lost a good friend."
Below is the list of responses offered by Georgia leaders and law enforcement agencies.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation
Together, with the Coweta Co SO & the entire LE community, we mourn the loss of Deputy Eric Minix who lost his life in the line of duty this morning. Deputy Minix leaves a lasting legacy. Our prayers are with his family, friends, & community.
Attorney General Chris Carr
Deputy Sheriff Eric Minix dedicated his life to protecting the people of Coweta County. We’re praying for his wife & three daughters & all of his brothers & sisters in uniform. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7
Gov. Brian Kemp
Marty, the girls, and I extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Coweta County Deputy Sheriff Eric Minx following his tragic death this morning. Please join us in keeping the department and all those involved in your thoughts and prayers.
Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock
Saddened by the loss of Deputy Eric Minix. I'm praying for his family, friends, and the Coweta County community as our state mourns a courageous public servant.
Lt. Governor Burt Jones
Jan and I are heartbroken over the news of Deputy Sheriff Eric Minix's tragic passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Congressman Drew Ferguson
My prayers are with the loved ones of Deputy Sheriff Eric Minix of Coweta County, who was tragically killed in the line of duty today. Please keep Eric’s family and the Coweta County community in your prayers.
More about the tragedy
Coweta County Sheriff Lenn Wood explained in a press conference Thursday afternoon what happened during the fatal moment. According to Wood, a police department in Alabama put out stop sticks to stop the speeding vehicle.
Once that happened, Minix stepped out of the car.
"He stopped behind the car, he gets out the car and starts giving orders for them what to do, and as he's standing outside the car another police agency from Alabama came up, couldn’t stop, and hit him," he said.
Wood said the deputy was on the roadway on the driver's side of his vehicle. He said Minix was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The driver who was being chased was taken into custody, Lanett Police said.
The officer who struck the Georgia law enforcement officer was put on administrative leave pending an investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.