Suspect Dies After Pointing BB Gun At FCSO Deputy

FORSYTH COUNTY, GA — The man holding a BB gun who was shot by a deputy on Oct. 25 died later that day, the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office said.

During a 911 call at 3:20 a.m., a woman told police her ex-husband, Anthony Viadero, 31, of Cumming, was at her home off Ga. 369 and Raines Drive in violation of a temporary protective order, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said.

Viadero fled from deputies in a vehicle on two separate occasions. Deputies used a tire deflation device to stop the vehicle, and then the suspect exited his vehicle with a handgun. Viadero quickly advanced on the officer directly behind him with his gun drawn, despite verbal commands, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said.

Information obtained from the early investigation shows that the gun that the subject had was a black BB gun with a laser sight, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said.

One officer fired at Viadero, striking him. Aid was given to Viadero, and he was transported by ambulance to Northeast Medical Center for treatment, where he later died.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is conducting an investigation at the request of the Forsyth County sheriff.

The deputy involved is a male, 32, who has been employed as a deputy for four and a half years. The deputy has been placed on routine administrative leave as required by Sheriff’s Office policy. His name has not yet been released by the department.

An autopsy was performed Oct. 25 at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Medical Examiner’s Office in Decatur.

Upon completion of the investigation, the case will be provided to the Bell-Forsyth Judicial Circuit District Attorney for review.