[ March 09, 2026 ] The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has been called in to lead an independent investigation following an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Sunday afternoon, March 8, 2026.

The incident began around 1:21 pm when the Jasper Police Department received reports of suspicious activity and vandalism near the Waffle House located at the intersection of Highway 515 and Highway 53 (Traveler's Rest Road). Preliminary reports indicate that a man, later identified as 33-year-old Chase Benham of Jasper, allegedly damaged a vehicle and attempted to set it on fire before fleeing the scene.

CONFRONTATION ON DARNELL ROAD
Officers from the Jasper Police Department, with assistance from the Pickens County Sheriff's Office, located Benham a short time later in the area of Darnell Road. According to authorities, Benham was armed with multiple knives at the time of the encounter.

During the confrontation, Benham reportedly threw knives at the responding officers. In response, Jasper Police Officers discharged their firearms, striking Benham once.

CURRENT STATUS
Following the shooting, officers secured the scene and provided aid until Pickens County EMS arrived. Benham was transported to a regional trauma hospital for treatment of his injuries. No police officers or sheriff's deputies were injured during the incident.

NEXT STEPS IN THE INVESTIGATION
In accordance with standard departmental policy for officer-involved shootings, the Jasper Police Department and the Pickens County Sheriff's Office have turned the case over to the GBI for an independent probe.

Once the GBI completes its investigation, the case file will be provided to the Appalachian Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office for a formal review. This remains an active and ongoing investigation.

Stay tuned to KnowPickens for further updates as more information becomes available.