An Augusta man who shot a Richmond County deputy last month before being wounded by another officer has died, authorities said Tuesday.
Dalyn Elder, 20, was pronounced dead at 8:15 a.m. Tuesday at Wellstar MCG Health, according to Coroner Mark Bowen. He had been in critical condition since the Oct. 2 shooting on Washington Road.
The incident began after deputies responded to an armed robbery call just after midnight. During the investigation, Deputy Victor Rodriguez encountered Elder near the I-20 overpass. Investigators say Elder opened fire on Rodriguez, who was struck twice in the torso below his bulletproof vest and grazed once. Despite his injuries, Rodriguez and Cpl. Amanda Donald returned fire.
Elder fled toward a nearby shopping center, where Cpl. Donald shot him at least once, critically wounding him. Deputy Rodriguez was treated at a local hospital and has since recovered.
Two weeks ago, both officers were cleared of wrongdoing. Chief of Staff Lewis Blanchard said an internal review found that both deputies acted lawfully and within policy to neutralize an immediate and deadly threat.
Investigators concluded that Elder, who was wanted on 11 outstanding warrants—including aggravated assault and firearm possession by a convicted felon—ambushed Deputy Rodriguez with intent to cause serious harm or death.
