A former police officer with the Trion Police Department in Georgia has been arrested following an alleged incident of excessive force. Joel "Chris" Wooten, 52, faces charges of aggravated battery and violation of oath by a public officer. According to a press release from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the charges stem from an accusation that Wooten struck a handcuffed arrestee multiple times on June 4, resulting in facial injuries.
GBI took over the case on June 11 at the request of the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office. Subsequent to the investigation, Wooten, of Summerville, GA was taken into custody and booked at the Chattooga County Jail. The arrest occurred two weeks after the alleged assault, and the investigation by GBI remains active, and ongoing as officials encourage anyone with further information to come forward.
GBI is urging members of the community to share information that might aid in their independent probe into the matter. Tips can be shared anonymously by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), via their website, or through the "See Something, Send Something" mobile app. Once the investigation concludes, GBI will hand over the case file to the Chattooga County District Attorney's Office, who will then be responsible for prosecution.
