Bibb County deputy Anthony "TJ" Freeman killed in crash while pursuing vehicle

A Bibb County sheriff's deputy was killed in a wreck early Thursday moing while chasing a suspect.

Anthony "TJ" Freeman,29, is an investigator with the Bibb County Sheriff's office and was assisting another investigator dealing with a suspicious vehicle when the incident happened.

According to the incident report, Freeman was heading east on Columbus Road around 3 a.m. to assist another deputy trying to apprehend 24-year-old Montavious Kinder.  Kinder's car struck Freeman's car on the driver's side which caused him to go off the road and ending up in the front yard of a home. He was rushed to Navicent Health Hospital where he later died.

Investigator Freeman, a seven year veteran of the Bibb County Sheriff's office leaves behind his wife, Jessica, and their two children, 11-year-old Braden and 5-year-old Blaiklyn. 

He was assigned as a narcotics investigator for the last five years and was also a SWAT officer and K9 handler. 

Freeman's K9 partner "Bojar" was with him when the crash happened. The dog was taken to a local vet and appears to be fine. 

Following the devastating news, Sheriff David Davis ordered all flags to fly at halfmast at the Bibb County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Davis released the following statement Thursday moing:

”TJ was a great investigator, a great deputy and a great friend to many on the department. He died doing what TJ always did – trying to help a fellow deputy. Our hearts are heavy today as we lost one of our own, but we grieve especially for Jessica, Braden and Blaiklyn. TJ was a very involved father and we know this will be very, very hard for his young family.

Authorities said the suspect suffered minor injuries and was taken into custody. He's been charged with pre-existing warrants and other charges are pending, according to investigators. 

Sheriff Davis has asked Georgia State Patrol to investigate the crash.