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Suspect shot dead after pulling gun during traffic stop, injuring officer, Georgia State Patrol says

The Georgia State Patrol says a man died on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, after he managed to fire a weapon that he had hidden behind his back while he was handcuffed during a traffic stop on Interstate 75 in Georgia. Photo: WSBTV.com

BARTOW COUNTY, Ga. — The Georgia State Patrol says a man is dead after he managed to fire a weapon that he had hidden behind his back while he was handcuffed during a traffic stop on Interstate 75 in Georgia.

The shooting happened at exit 293 in Cartersville, near the exit ramp to Highway 411 in Bartow County.

Officials say a trooper pulled a couple over around 5 a.m. Thursday and the trooper found contraband in the car.

The female driver was taken into custody. Authorities said the male passenger originally gave a false name and, at some point, the first trooper called for backup.

When a second trooper arrived, the officers determined the man was a wanted parole violator who had been on the run for months, officials said. The troopers searched the man’s car for weapons and handcuffed his hands behind his back, according to investigators.

The man was able to grab a weapon hidden behind his back in his pants and fired at the troopers. One of the officers was struck in the stomach, but protected by a bullet-proof vest.

The troopers shot back at the suspect, authorities said. The man was taken to the hospital and later died, according to officials.

The trooper was treated at the hospital and released.

Authorities continue to investigate.