Report: Deputy shot at Forsyth, Ga. courthouse

FORSYTH, Ga. - A deputy was shot at the Forsyth County, Ga. courthouse Friday morning, police say, reports WSB-TV.

Forsyth County Sheriff Duane Piper reportedly told the station the deputy, a 25-year veteran of the department, was shot in the leg and is expected to be OK.

Piper reportedly said the suspect - who has been identified as Dennis Marx - is dead.

According to the station, Piper said Marx drove up to the courthouse in a bullet proof vest and a gas mask. Piper said he was armed with an assault rifle and smoke grenades. Deputies reportedly saw the man and came out to confront him. That's when the shooting took place.

An attorney for Marx told WSB-TV she was representing him until Thursday when she withdrew because Marx was unsatisfied with her negotiating skills. Marx was reportedly due in court Friday on marijuana and firearms charges. The attorney told the station Marx was a gun buyer and trader. She said she asked Marx to undergo a psychological evaluation, but he refused.

CBS Atlanta reports the courthouse remains on lockdown. According to WSB-TV, police say they are investigating the threat of possible explosives at the courthouse.

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