A Hall County Sheriff’s Office Investigation into an early morning shooting on Barrett Road has resulted in the arrests of three additional suspects, including the gunshot victim.
According to the preliminary investigation, four men, including the shooter, David Rivera, 24, of Gainesville, had conspired to commit a robbery in Dawson County on January 31.
Hall County Sheriff's Office Spokesman Derrick Booth said the suspects, traveling in two vehicles, met at a parking lot in Gainesville, where Rivera decided not to participate in the robbery. The other three men, identified as Randy Carl Smallwood, 54, Juan R. Fuentes-Contreras, 34, and Paul Matthew Gilleland, 28, all of Gainesville, followed Rivera to his home.
"When they arrived, a confrontation occurred between Smallwood and Rivera outside of the residence. During the encounter, Rivera fired a handgun at Smallwood, resulting in wounds to his arm and leg, according to the initial investigation," Booth said. "Smallwood got back into the vehicle with Fuentes-Contreras and Gilleland, and the three drove off. Rivera also got back into his vehicle and left the scene."
According to authorities, the two vehicles were involved in a collision a short distance from the residence — Rivera drove away, while the vehicle Smallwood was in overturned.
"A motorist observed Smallwood on the side of the road and called 911. Gainesville Police, Hall County Fire Services and the Sheriff’s Office all responded," Booth said. "Smallwood was transported to the hospital for treatment."
Sheriff’s Office Investigators arrested Fuentes-Contreras and Gilleland on Jan. 31 - each now charged with possession of a sawed-off shotgun and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.
Smallwood was arrested Wednesday, February 5 following his release from the hospital and has also been charged with possession of a sawed-off shotgun and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.
Rivera faces charges of aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated battery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and reckless conduct in Hall County.
The case remains under investigation by the Hall County Sheriff’s Office. The Georgia State Patrol handled the vehicle collision investigation.
