The GBI is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Gilmer County on Tuesday night after officers shot an armed suspect during a domestic-related attempted home invasion, authorities said.
The Ellijay Police Department posted on Facebook that officers, along with Gilmer County deputies, responded to the home invasion in the western portion of the county.
In a news release Wednesday afternoon, the GBI said the incident happened in the area of Quarles Lane in Ellijay.
A 911 caller said Willie McCoy, 39, of Ellijay, was asked to leave the area of the residence and he refused, the GBI said. He also allegedly was armed with a gun and tried to force his way into the home.
McCoy had outstanding warrants for aggravated assault and home invasion, which is why Ellijay officers and Gilmer deputies both responded, the GBI said.
Officers and deputies were approached by McCoy, who pointed a gun at them, prompting several officers to fire shots at the suspect, the GBI said. It’s unknown how many officers or deputies shot at McCoy or how many times he was hit.
McCoy was taken to an area hospital, and his condition was not released. No officers were hurt during the incident.
Officer-involved shootings in Georgia this year are on track to pass the 88 recorded in 2017, according to the GBI. The Gilmer County shooting is the 78th such investigation the agency has opened in 2018.
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