A suspect in a sexual assault case was fatally shot during a standoff with deputies in Cherokee County, authorities report. The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that the standoff, which started late Friday night last week on Ficklin Church Way in Canton, ended after midnight on Saturday with the death of 52-year-old Charles H. Woodall.
As reported by Atlanta News First, Woodall was confronted by deputies from both the Floyd County and Cherokee County Sheriff's Offices as they attempted to serve an arrest warrant that included charges for rape, incest, and entering auto. Woodall, armed with a gun, reportedly pointed it at deputies, which precipitated the ensuing standoff and ultimately his demise, according to statements made by the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office. A SWAT team was brought in to negotiate; however, the situation escalated, and Woodall was killed by gunfire.
There were no injuries reported among officers and deputies during the confrontation. Following standard procedure, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is handling the investigation, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta.
After the shooting, local resident Kimberly Argueta described the fear she felt, telling FOX 5 Atlanta, "I think maybe one shot is coming here. I put my babies secure, but it's crazy." She added, "I just hug my kids. My door is closed, but I scared." Further details are expected once the GBI Medical Examiner's Office completes Woodall's autopsy.
