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Written by: E. George
Published January 4, 2024 @ 2:00 PM ET
Warning: The following story contains information regarding physical violence.
SPALDING COUNTY, Ga. – At approximately 11:00 AM on Friday, December 29, 2023, two Spalding County deputies responded to a domestic call at a Deason Street home in Griffin to conduct a welfare check. Tragically, the suspect shot one deputy, 55-year-old Sergeant Marc McIntyre, in the head, ultimately killing him.
The shooting sparked a response to the crime scene by the Georgia State Patrol and multiple other agencies. The second responding deputy sustained an injury to his hand during the incident; however, he was not shot.
McIntyre was the fifth law enforcement officer to expire in the line of duty in the state in 2023 and the fifth officer killed on the job in Spalding since 1980. His murder became the 104th officer-involved shooting in Georgia in 2023.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation revealed that the suspect, 57-year-old Todd Lamont Harper, refused to exit the residence for several hours, initiating a standoff. Authorities eventually gained entry, discovered Harper hiding underneath a bed, and dragged him out.
Spalding County Sheriff Darrell Dix said Harper is in detainment at the Spalding County Jail and possibly suffers from mental illness.
Sergeant McIntyre worked at the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office for over eight years and gained promotions to patrol division supervisor and SWAT team member. A remarkable rifleman, he joined the United States Army in 1988 and excelled in multiple competitions.
During his career at the sheriff’s office, the community recognized McIntyre for his exceptional leadership skills and extraordinary service. He once saved a homeless man’s life by administering Narcan while he overdosed.
McIntyre’s funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.
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