A newly released batch of bodycam and surveillance footage is giving the public a disturbing look at the tense encounter between a Georgia police sergeant and the man accused of shooting him to death just days later.
The footage centers around Warm Springs Police Sgt. Christopher Fisher and 23-year-old Jimmy Lee Steverson, who investigators say ultimately killed Fisher in an ambush outside a Georgia hotel before fleeing across state lines.
What makes the newly released video so chilling is that Fisher and Steverson had already been involved in a physical confrontation just days before the deadly shooting.
According to the Warm Springs Police Department, Fisher encountered Steverson on August 27 while conducting patrols in the area. Fisher reportedly noticed a black Chevrolet Silverado and said he could smell what appeared to be marijuana coming from the vehicle.
The truck was eventually stopped at a Marathon gas station, where Fisher approached Steverson and began questioning him.
The newly released bodycam footage captures the two men arguing during the encounter. At one point, Steverson challenges Fisher over the marijuana odor, questioning how the officer could smell it from a distance.
Police said Fisher ordered Steverson out of the truck and attempted to detain him after Steverson allegedly became increasingly non-compliant.
According to the department’s account, Fisher pushed Steverson back toward the push bumper of his patrol vehicle after he repeatedly stood up. The confrontation then became physical as Fisher attempted to place him in handcuffs.
The bodycam footage reportedly stops recording for roughly 20 seconds after the camera was struck or knocked loose during the struggle.
But that’s where surveillance video from the gas station becomes important.
The surveillance footage captured the physical confrontation that could not be seen clearly on Fisher’s body camera. Police said the two men wrestled and exchanged punches before Fisher was able to deploy his Taser and get Steverson into handcuffs.
Steverson was subsequently arrested and faced multiple felony charges, including marijuana possession, obstruction and firearm-related charges. Authorities said two AR-style rifles and a Micro Draco firearm were seized, along with $5,054 in cash.
Despite the serious charges, Steverson was released from jail on bond.
Just days later, everything changed.
On September 1, Fisher was working another shift in Warm Springs. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the 36-year-old sergeant was sitting inside his patrol vehicle at the Meriwether Country Inn shortly before midnight after assisting with an unrelated traffic stop.
Investigators say a black 2026 Chevrolet Silverado pulled alongside Fisher’s patrol car.
The driver was identified as Steverson.
According to the GBI, Steverson fired multiple shots into Fisher’s patrol vehicle before speeding away.
Fisher was pronounced dead at the scene.
A massive search followed, with authorities issuing a Blue Alert as law enforcement agencies searched for Steverson.
The manhunt eventually crossed into South Carolina.
On September 2, deputies with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle on Interstate 85. Steverson was reportedly riding as a passenger.
Authorities discovered that Steverson had suffered what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was transported to a hospital, where he later died.
The investigation into Fisher’s death remains ongoing.
And while the timing of the August 27 arrest and September 1 shooting has naturally raised questions, investigators have not officially confirmed a motive for Fisher’s killing.
That detail is important because speculation has already spread online about what may have led to the deadly encounter.
Warm Springs Police Chief Matthew Mayfield said the department released the footage and additional evidence in the hope that transparency would help the community begin healing after Fisher’s death.
Fisher had only joined the Warm Springs Police Department in May 2026 and was promoted to sergeant in July. He had previously worked in law enforcement with agencies in Georgia’s Fayette, Heard and Meriwether counties.
Now, footage that would normally be nothing more than evidence from a routine arrest has become part of the investigation into one of the department’s darkest moments.
The video shows an argument.
It shows a struggle.
It shows an arrest.
And just days later, the officer seen in that footage was dead.
The GBI continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Fisher’s killing and has not announced a definitive motive.
Video Credit: FOX 5 Atlanta
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