The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is currently probing an officer-involved shooting in Rockdale County following a traffic stop that escalated into gunfire last Saturday night. GBI's involvement was requested by the Georgia State Patrol after what was initially a routine traffic stop turned violent, resulting in injuries to both a state trooper and a civilian.
According to the GBI's preliminary report, at around 11:40 p.m., a Georgia State Patrol Trooper and a cadet attempted to quickly apprehend a speeding SUV. The driver, Tony Ward, 34, of Atlanta, maneuvered around gas pumps in an apparent attempt to avoid confrontation with the officers. When Ward finally brought his vehicle to a stop, Chester Williams, 41, from Jonesboro, emerged and opened fire on the troopers, leading one of them to shoot back and hit Williams.
Ward fled on foot but was soon captured a short distance from the scene by Rockdale County Sheriff’s Deputies. Williams, on the other hand, was arrested and taken to a local hospital for treatment of his gunshot wound. The involved trooper was also hospitalized for observation due to injuries sustained during the encounter.
The Georgia State Patrol has tasked the GBI with leading an independent investigation into both the officer-involved shooting and the aggravated assault on an officer. The GBI will be expected to thoroughly analyze all facets of the incident and to faithfully submit their findings to the Rockdale County District Attorney’s Office for a full review. The district attorney's office will then decide any potential prosecution for the individuals involved.
