Shirley Details Weekend Incident

Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley is releasing details about a weekend incident that brought out his office’s D.E.L.T.A unit.

Shirley said it started when deputies were called to a Currahee Ridge Road residence shortly after 5 p.m. on Saturday for a welfare check.

He said the caller reported that an individual was highly intoxicated and acting erratically.

According to the sheriff, when authorities arrived, the individual became irate with the deputy and fled back towards the residence.

Shirley said the deputy tried to keep the individual from going back in the house, but was unable to.

“He tried to shut the door and, as a result, he shut it on my deputy’s hand and forced it shut, injuring the deputy’s hand, but he was able to get his hand out of the door and just within a few seconds, he heard gunfire and seconds later, he heard another shot,” said Shirley. “He retreated to a nearby car for cover and called for back-up.”

The sheriff said that the D.E.L.T.A unit was mobilized to secure the area while deputies tried to make contact with the person who had gone back inside the home, but were unable to after trying multiple times by both cell phone and land line.

Also, he said deputies looked for movement inside the home, but saw none.

Shirley said after failing to make contact or see movement, the D.E.L.T.A unit was sent inside the residence because of the possibility of an armed individual.

According to the sheriff, authorities entering the home found the individual had passed away from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The sheriff said it is a tragic incident.

“I would like to say that these high-risk incidents are far too common in law enforcement and can move from a simple welfare check into a deadly scene,” said Shirley. “That is why law enforcement officers must always expect the unexpected, keep their guard up, and be ready to react swiftly to protect our citizens and themselves.”

Shirley said that he is grateful the deputy was not injured worse than he was with his hand.

Also, the sheriff asked people to keep the family of the individual in their prayers as they have suffered a tragic loss.