TIFTON, Ga. (WALB) - At the request of the Tifton Police Department, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is looking into an officer-involved shooting that left two Tifton Police Department investigators injured Friday morning.

The GBI says the incident began around 10:50 a.m. on December 5, 2025, when Tifton officers attempted to serve a search warrant at the home of Davy Deonte Royal, 35, in the 800 block of Lee Avenue. The operation was supported by the GBI’s Special Operations Unit.

According to preliminary information, officers knocked on Royal’s door and announced their presence before entering. Investigators say Royal then opened fire on them, leading officers to return fire. During the exchange, two Tifton Police Department investigators were shot.

Royal then barricaded himself inside the home, prompting a standoff that lasted several hours. Authorities say he eventually surrendered and was taken into custody without further incident.

The injured investigators were taken to local hospitals, where they are receiving medical treatment. Their current conditions have not been released.

Royal has been charged with:

• Five counts of Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer
• Five counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
• Two counts of Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder

He is currently being held at the Coffee County Jail.

The GBI will continue conducting an independent investigation. Once it is complete, the case will be turned over to the Tift County District Attorney’s Office for review.

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