Driver Shoots At Deputy While Fleeing Traffic Stop: Cops

CANTON, GA — A Canton man is expected to be charged with a slew of offenses related to his actions during two attempted traffic stops, including an incident where he allegedly fired upon a Cherokee sheriff's deputy who tried to pull him over Thursday morning.

The deputy tried to conduct a traffic stop around 4 a.m. Aug. 23 on a Chevrolet Blazer on Salacoa Road in northwest Cherokee County. The driver of the vehicle, later identified as 37-year-old Joey Donaldson, refused to stop and as he drove away, fired about a dozen rounds out of the window towards the patrol vehicle, said Cherokee Sheriff's Office spokesperson Jay Baker. The deputy was not injured, and the vehicle did not suffer any damage.

"The deputy lost sight of the vehicle, but was able to identify the tag numbers on the vehicle," Baker added. "Bullet casings were located in the roadway where the deputy attempted the traffic stop."

Deputies made their way to the home of the Blazer's registered owner, and learned the vehicle had been sold to Donaldson, who was identified as the person deputies believe was driving the SUV.

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Later in the morning, deputies sand investigators got a tip about Donaldson's whereabouts in Pickens County. A Cherokee sheriff's deputy arrived near the location, Ga. 515 at Philadelphia Road. While waiting for backup, the deputy saw a Dodge pickup truck stop sign. The deputy tried to conduct a traffic stop but the SUV, driven by Donaldson, did not pull over, CSO said.

A chase ensued on 515 northbound and continued west on Ga. 136 where Donaldson was seen throwing a box out of the window, according to the sheriff's office. Donaldson lost control over the truck, left the roadway and was ejected from the vehicle in the collision. Donaldson, who was alert and conscious at the scene, was transported to Piedmont Mountainside Hospital and later to WellStar Kennestone Hospital for treatment of injuries he received in the crash.

The box thrown from the vehicle was found by investigators, and they determined it contained a small amount of meth and marijuana. The Chevrolet Blazer was found at a location along Scarecorn Road in Pickens County, Baker said. However, the suspected firearm used in the alleged shooting is nowhere to be found at this point, the sheriff's office said.

Donaldson was released from the hospital Thursday afternoon and will be booked into the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center on charges of aggravated assault on a police officer and attempting to elude police. He faces charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana less than an ounce, and fleeing and attempting to elude in Pickens County.

Photo: Joey Donaldson. Credit: Cherokee Sheriff's Office