Fleeing Man Shot By Villa Rica Police, Arrested Later At Home

VILLA RICA, GA – A man was shot by a Villa Rica police officer Thursday while fleeing and later arrested at his home in Temple, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The GBI is investigating the shooting.

Daniel Daigle, 30, had gunshot wounds to his right forearm and left leg. Daigle was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. No officers were injured.

At approximately 4:30 a.m.,Villa Rica Police responded to an alarm call at the Easy Quick Shop located at 1607 W. Bankhead Highway. Upon arrival, an officer made contact with Daigle, who was pumping air into a tire on his vehicle. A second officer arrived and conducted an exterior search of the convenience store while the first officer collected Daigle’s identification.

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While retrieving his driver’s license from inside his car, Daigle entered into the driver’s side of his vehicle and pulled forward, according to the GBI. Daigle then put the vehicle in reverse and struck the air pump and a utility pole. Officers gave verbal commands to stop, but Daigle did not comply and drove forward, striking a
patrol car, the GBI said. One officer fired his service weapon into Daigle’s car but he still fled the area.

At approximately 9:30 a.m., Daigle’s car was located approximately five miles from the initial scene. A subsequent K-9 search put law enforcement officers in the area of 295 Jennifer Lane in Temple, GA. Daigle was located inside the residence where he was arrested without incident. It was there that officers discovered Daigle had gun shot wounds and they had him transported to the hospital.

The GBI will continue its independent investigation. Once completed, the case will be turned over to the Coweta Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.

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