The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has opened an investigation into an incident that occurred Monday after deputies with the Pickens County Sheriff's Office shot and killed a man in Jasper.
According to reports, Pickens County 911 received a non-emergency call at around 9 a.m. from a concerned family member of 56-year-old Norman Edward Dawson expressing worry over his possession of a firearm after they heard a pop while on the phone with Dawson.
Pickens County deputies were promptly dispatched to Dawson’s residence on Ginger Drive. At approximately 9:10 a.m. deputies arrived on the scene and they found Dawson wearing a ballistic vest and armed with a rifle.
Deputies attempted to de-escalate the situation and asked Dawson to put down the weapon. According to authorities, Dawson failed to comply despite their efforts, prompting Deputies to discharge multiple rounds.
Following the altercation, Pickens County EMS provided immediate medical attention to Dawson and transported him to a nearby hospital. He was pronounced deceased after arriving at the hospital.
The Pickens County Sheriff's Office prompted the GBI to investigate the shooting independently.
No officers were injured in the incident and the investigation remains open as details around the altercation continue to be examined.
Further updates on the situation will be provided as more information becomes available.
This incident marks the 53rd officer-involved shooting that the GBI has been requested to investigate thus far in 2023.
