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A handcuffed Georgia man was shot and killed by a police officer after spotting a firearm in a patrol car, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigations.

The New York Daily News reports:

Charles Smith, picked up on outstanding warrants in Savannah late Thursday morning, had been cuffed behind his back before police say he kicked out one of the car’s windows and managed to move his hands to his front.

At that moment police say the 29-year-old revealed himself to be armed while attempting his escape.

Officer David Jannot, who’s described as a 10-year veteran of the force, opened fire, killing Smith at the scene.

Police said a firearm was recovered beneath his body.

“This information is based on the GBI’s preliminary investigation,” the agency said in a release. “The GBI will continue to thoroughly investigate this incident to determine exactly what occurred.”

An autopsy for Smith is scheduled Friday at the GBI Crime Lab in Savannah.

Savannah Mayor Edna Jackson, who appeared at the scene to address the growing crowds, worked to assure them that a thorough investigation will take place.

“This will be cleared up, this will be cleared up,” she said at the scene, according to WTOC. “We don’t need anything to happen and we are going to keep the family and the community informed about everything that is going on.”

Jannot is on paid leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

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