AUGUSTA, Ga. – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office said a deputy in the officer-involved shooting in front of Glenn Hills Middle School on March 13 was justified in his actions following an independent review.

RCSO stated Deputy David S. Hopkins, who was placed on paid administrative leave on March 14, “acted lawfully and within policy during last week’s officer-involved shooting.” In a press release on Monday, RCSO released a clearance letter from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office’s Regional Force Investigation.

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.

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