THOMASVILLE — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is conducting an investigation into shooting Tuesday involving a Thomas County Sheriff’s Office deputy.

The initial investigation shows a deputy attempted a traffic stop on U.S. 319 North about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday. 

The driver of the vehicle, Stephen Joe Clark, age 45, of Boston, refused to stop, according to a GBI press release. Deputies pursued Clark to Ga. 122, where initial intentional contact with Clark’s vehicle was made in an attempt to stop him.

Clark continued to flee and traveled to Skyline Drive, where deputies initiated another intentional contact with Clark’s vehicle. Clark’s vehicle spun and stopped on Skyline. A deputy got out of his patrol vehicle and attempted to Tase Clark. 

“Clark drove away, striking the deputy with his vehicle and pinning him between a patrol car and the van he was driving. A second deputy on scene fired his pistol at Clark,” the GBI press release states.

Clark was not struck, but the van he was driving was. The suspect sped away, continuing to flee from deputies.

The deputy was treated and released at Archbold Memorial Hospital, said Capt. Steven Jones, sheriff’s office public information officer.

According to the GBI, Clark eventually wrecked his vehicle into a residence on Sheppard’s Way, a short distance away. 

The suspect fled on foot and resisted arrest before being taken into custody and transported to the Thomas County Jail.

Clark was found to be in possession of methamphetamine during booking at the jail, Jones said.

Deputies in the investigation are Ben Cooper and James Sellers.

GBI agents and deputies continue to identify and interview witnesses and collect evidence related to the incident. The case is active and ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to call GBI Thomasville at (229) 225-4090.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820.