UPDATE: Authorities have released new details in connection with a deadly officer-involved shooting that occurred March 17 at a Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Jasper, Georgia.

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), agents are investigating the incident at the request of the Jasper Police Department.

Investigators say the shooting occurred around 1:30 p.m. inside the Veterans Affairs clinic on East Church Street. Authorities identified the suspect as Lawrence Charles Michels, 51, of Jasper, who had reportedly arrived at the clinic for a walk-in mental health consultation.

While inside the facility, Michels allegedly shot Nicholas “Nic” Crews, 34, of Marietta, who was employed as a social work case manager at the clinic.

Crews was transported from the scene and airlifted to a trauma hospital, where he later died on March 18, 2026, according to the GBI.

After the initial shooting, investigators say Michels exited the building armed with a handgun and encountered responding law enforcement officers and an armed civilian. An exchange of gunfire followed, during which Michels was shot. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that no officers were injured.

Both Crews and Michels will be taken to the GBI Crime Lab for autopsies.

The incident was initially reported by the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, which stated deputies were assisting with the response after reports of shots fired at the clinic. Upon arrival, officers encountered the suspect, who was shot by responding officers.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Once complete, the case will be turned over to the Appalachian Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.

ORIGINAL STORY:

JASPER, Ga. — Authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred this afternoon at a Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Jasper.

According to a statement from the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, deputies are assisting the Jasper Police Department with the active investigation.

Officers were dispatched to the VA clinic at approximately 1:30 p.m. following reports of shots fired. Upon arrival, law enforcement encountered the suspected shooter, who was subsequently shot by responding officers.

Authorities confirmed that one victim was transported from the scene and later airlifted to a hospital. The individual’s condition has not been released.

Officials say the situation remains under active investigation, and additional details will be provided as they become available.

This is an active investigation. Check back with FYN for updates in this case!