Deputy wounded, three others injured in shooting incident in East Hall County

Hall County authorities said a deputy was shot and wounded while investigating a home invasion in the East Hall area early Friday morning. 

 

Hall County Sheriff's Deputy Stephen Wilbanks said the incident began to unfold just before midnight.

 

"Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 4300 block of Campbell Road, in the east Hall area, regarding a home invasion in progress. As they approached the home on foot, a vehicle departed the residence, swerved at one of the deputies, and there was an exchange of gunfire between the occupants of the car and deputies," Wilbanks said.

 

He said the deputy, whose name was not released, was hit once in the torso, but his ballistic vest stopped the bullet. The deputy also was grazed in the head by a bullet. Wilbanks said he'll be okay.

 

"He obviously had a long night, but he was treated and released and is in good spirits," Wilbanks said. "He's getting some rest now."

 

Wilbanks said the vehicle was occupied by a number of adults and children. Two of the adults were injured and a minor child were also injured in the exchange of gunfire. Wilbanks did not know the nature of their injuries.

 

"We don't know for sure if the injuries were as a direct result of bullets or perhaps from just glass shattering and shrapnel from the bullets that struck the vehicle," Wilbanks said. 

 

The adults were taken to Northeast Georgia Medical Center, while the child was taken to Egleston Children's Hospital for treatment. Their injuries are non life threatening, according to Wilbanks. 

 

Wilbanks said the Georgia Bureau of Investigation responded to the scene and is the primary investigating agency, which he said is standard protocol in an officer-involved shooting.

 

At this point, the circumstances surrounding the home invasion and those responsible are unclear. Wilbanks said it likely will be next week before additional information can be released.