A Habersham County deputy has been cleared of any criminal wrongdoing in connection with a shooting that injured a suspect following a high speed chase into North Carolina.
North Carolina District Attorney Ashley Welch today issued a statement regarding the investigation into the shooting by Deputy Paul Kent. The statement reads, “After a thorough review of all of the evidence in this case we have determined that probable cause does not exist for any criminal charges under North Carolina law against Deputy Kent or any other officer.”
The DA’s announcement comes nearly three months after Deputy Kent fired on and struck 24-year-old Austin Thomason in the head following a police chase into Macon County, NC. The three-county, two-state chase began on Washington Street in Clarkesville after midnight on April 7. That’s when authorities say Thomason and a female, identified as 21-year-old Crystal Singleton, fled from police in a stolen car. The chase ended when Thomason wrecked near Otto, NC.
Deputy Kent was approaching the wrecked vehicle when, officials say, Thomason “made an attempt to continue to flee” and Kent fired on him through the back window.
To read the DA’s full statement click HERE.
Deputy Kent was placed on administrative leave after the shooting. He’s since returned to work.
Thomason was released from the hospital several days after the shooting. He was booked at the Habersham County jail on numerous charges including fugitive from justice, aggravated assault, theft by receiving stolen property, fleeing or attempting to elude police officer, and various traffic charges.
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