Public Safety Officer Jody Smith

December 8, 2016

Public Safety Officer Jody Smith and Police Officer Nicholas Smarr, of the Americus Police Department, were shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence incident at a local apartment complex at South Lee Street and Country Club Drive, near the Georgia Southwestern State University.

Officer Smith, who was nearby, also responded to backup Officer Smarr at approximately 9:40 am. As they arrived at the scene they encountered an armed subject who opened fire on them. Both officers were transported to a nearby hospital where Officer Smarr died. Officer Smith was flown to a hospital in Macon where he died the following day.

The suspect fled the scene but was found deceased the following day following a SWAT raid of a residence.

Officer Smith had served with the Georgia Southwestern State University Department of Public Safety for four months. He had previously served with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office and Plains Police Department.