DAWSONVILLE - A Dawsonville man and Ellijay woman are in jail after the man allegedly shot and wounded a would-be marijuana thief and charges have now been filed against the pair.
Dawson County Sheriff's spokesman Tony Wooten says 22-year-old Tommy Payne of Dawsonville was shot early Sunday by Marcel Ciupeiu as he tried to steal marijuana plants from Ciupeiu's Angel Lane home.
It's something the veteran lawman says you don't come across very often but he was quick to add "obviously the drug industry is a dangerous industry."
Stephanie Kelly O'Block was also arrested after she was found at the house along with equipment for an indoor marijuana growing operation, according to Capt. Wooten. She has been charged with possession of marijuana, manufacturing marijuana, and tampering with evidence.
Ciupeiu has been charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, manufacturing marijuana, possession of a firearm/knife in committing a crime, tampering with evidence and aggravated assault.
Payne is in the Hall County Detention Center, where he is being held for proabation violation while he recovers from a gunshot wound to the leg.
Saturday
July 5th, 2025
2:43PM
