Georgia Police Officer Fatally Shot by Gunman

Tim Smith, 31, was shot after answering a call at about 9:30 p.m., according to a Georgia Bureau of Investigation release.

Smith was answering a call about a suspicious person at the intersection of Smith and Main streets. He encountered the individual, the release stated, and was shot by that person. Smith returned fire and the shooter fled the scene.

He was taken to an area hospital, where he died.

The shooting happened on the east side of the rail line that runs through the middle of town, not far from the Chic-King restaurant.

Eastman, the county seat of Dodge County, is home to about 5,500 residents. It lies about 55 miles southeast of Macon.