‘We won’t back down from you’: Suspect dead after gunfire exchange with MCSO

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - NEW DETAILS: “We will not back down from you. We will engage you and we will neutralize the threat.” said Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman.

According to Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman, Fugitive Oscar Maxwell was wanted by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

Officials say Maxwell was wanted on multiple outstanding felony warrants, and was suspected of being a part of several firearm thefts.

MSCO’s Special Operations Unit was given information on Maxwell’s whereabouts (Baymont Hotel on Whitesville Rd in Columbus), and they went to confirm the information. Upon arrival, the unit confirmed that Maxwell was staying at the hotel.

Officials say the surveillance team spotted Maxwell on the upper floor of the hotel walking into his room. Support units then arrived on the Northwest side of the hotel.

Officials say Maxwell walked out of his room and approached the support unit. The support unit identified themselves. They say Maxwell walked back into his hotel room and slammed the door.

The MSCO’s Special Operations Unit opened the door and was met with a volley of gun fire. Officials say Maxwell was holding two weapons, one in each hand. The unit returned gunfire. They say there was a brief pause, and the unit gave Maxwell verbal commands. They say Maxwell unloaded a second volley of gunfire at the unit.

The gunfire from Maxwell struck parked vehicles and other occupied rooms according to officials. They say no one is injured.

The MSCO’s Special Operations Unit returned fire at Maxwell until he stopped firing. Officials say the unit tried to make contact with Maxwell, but he did not respond. A wireless robot was deployed in the hotel room and located Maxwell laying on the floor.

The unit walked into the room to find Maxwell lying on the floor with an automatic weapon in his hand, and officials say he was surrounded by other loaded firearms in the room. One of the firearms was stolen authorities said.

EMS units were called into to offer aid to Maxwell. The Muscogee County Coroner’s Office was called to the scene and Maxwell was pronounced dead at 10:59 p.m.

“We’re going to engage you and wage war with you. We will engage and neutralize the threat.”

GBI is investigating the case.

FULL PRESSER BELOW:

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Sep. 22 9:09 p.m. One man is dead following a shooting at a north Columbus hotel.

According to the coroner, the victim has been identified as 22-year-old Oscar Maxwell. Maxwell died from multiple gunshot wounds around 11 p.m.

Bryan says the decedent had a warrant in Alabama for stealing firearms from another law enforcement agency.

Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office were made known of his whereabouts and sent to the Baymont Hotel on Whitesville Road to take custody. Officials say the decedent started firing at sheriff’s deputies and they returned fire.

The Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and Columbus Police Department (CPD) were at the scene of a north Columbus hotel on Friday night, Sept. 22.

GBI is investigating the case.

Stay with us on-air and online for updates.

Copyright 2023 WTVM. All rights reserved.