Georgia Deputy Killed When Struck by Alabama Police Car During Chase

A sheriff’s deputy from Georgia was fatally struck by an Alabama police vehicle in a crash early Thursday morning during a chase that crossed state lines, authorities said.

The Coweta County Sheriff’s Office said Deputy Sheriff Eric Minix was chasing a person suspected of stealing a vehicle around 2 a.m. Thursday. The pursuit started south on Interstate 85 and crossed the Chattahoochee River into Chambers County, Alabama, where the crash with the Lanett Police Department officer happened.

Minix was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

“We have lost a good deputy. We have lost a good man. We have lost a good friend,” the department posted on Facebook.

Minix, who was a deputy and a K-9 officer, leaves behind a wife and three daughters. The suspect being pursued is in custody.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency has taken the lead in investigating the case, according to Lanett Police Department, which said the officer driving the vehicle that hit Minix has been put on administrative leave.

"Please keep all involved in your thoughts and prayers," the department posted.