The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed Monday that Deputy David Hopkins was justified in the officer-involved shooting that took place last week.
An independent review by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Regional Force Investigation Team has concluded that the deputy acted lawfully and within departmental policy. (Full transcript of findings at bottom.)
The shooting occurred after Brandon Pierre Hill, 31, an armed felon with a history of violent crime, allegedly pointed a gun at Deputy Hopkins during a confrontation near Glenn Hills Middle School. Hill was struck in the incident and was last listed in critical condition at Doctors Hospital.
In an effort to maintain transparency, the Sheriff’s Office released a clearance letter from the investigation team, along with the original incident report, which detailed the events leading up to the shooting. Furthermore, Sheriff Gino Brantley stated that the full video of the incident will be made available to the public Tuesday to ensure an open and transparent process.
“Our duty is to protect and serve, and with that comes the responsibility of being transparent with the community we serve. We appreciate the public’s trust and understanding as we ensure that every incident is thoroughly investigated and that our deputies receive the support they need,” said Sheriff Brantley.
As the investigation continues, it is also noted that the deputy involved has received support services, including counseling, as part of the department’s commitment to the well-being of its personnel.
Hill was identified as the armed suspect who allegedly pointed a black handgun at Deputy Hopkins Thursday during an attempted arrest. Hill had previously stolen a firearm during a domestic dispute on Primrose Drive, which led officers to locate him near Glenn Hills Drive. Hill, who has an extensive criminal history, faces charges of aggravated assault upon a police officer and weapon possession.
In addition to these charges, Hill is also accused of murder. In 2021, Hill was charged with the killing of 21-year-old Jamari McClinton, who was fatally stabbed at Baldwin State Prison while incarcerated. The victim’s family has stated that McClinton was transferred to a new facility for his safety but was not afforded the same protective custody, ultimately leading to his death. Hill’s involvement in the murder case remains unresolved, and he could face further legal consequences once the case proceeds.
Hill has been arrested multiple times, with his criminal record spanning from armed robbery in 2011 to more recent charges including theft, drug offenses, and probation violations. He remains a highly charged and dangerous individual with a lengthy criminal history, which includes unresolved felony cases dating back several years.
FROM THE CCSO FINDINGS:
On March 13, 2025, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Regional Force Investigative Team investigated the officer-involved shooting that occurred on the roadway in front of Glenn Hills Middle School, 2941 Glenn Hills Drive. Richmond County Deputy David Hopkins had responded to a domestic at 2527 Primrose Dr, Augusta, where the suspect, identified as Brandon Hill, had left on foot and was possibly armed with a handgun taken from the residence. Deputy Hopkins was checking the Glenn Hills Drive area and located Hill walking in front of the middle school. He confirmed the description of the suspect with units on the scene at the domestic and then turned his vehicle around to make contact with the suspect.
As Deputy Hopkins approached the suspect, the suspect moved from the sidewalk on the north side of Glenn Hills Drive to the south side of the roadway. Deputy Hopkins gave verbal commands over his PA system, telling Hill to show his hands. Instead, Hill reached into his waistband and produced a handgun, raising it in the air. Deputy Hopkins repeatedly told Hill to drop the gun. Rather than dropping the gun, he pointed it at Deputy Hopkins.
Deputy Hopkins then fired 5 times at the suspect, striking Hill in the chest. Hill fell to the ground, and Deputy Hopkins immediately secured the suspect’s weapon and began to render aid to Hill.
The use of deadly force was justified under O.C.G.A. 16-3-21. The investigation has revealed that Deputy David Hopkins did not violate the Official Criminal Code of Georgia. On March 17, 2025, SSG. Daniel Gaston spoke with District Attorney Jared Williams and conducted a preliminary briefing on the incident and the investigation. The DA’s Office was provided body camera and dash-camera footage of the incident, which supports the investigation findings.
Based on the video, which clearly establishes the sequence of events, the DA’s Office concurs with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Regional Force Investigation Team’s finding. The file will be provided to you upon completion.
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