Cop Shoots Driver During Traffic Stop in Cherokee County

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Cherokee County, GA -- The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred Saturday in southwest Cherokee County.

Agents with the GBI’s Cleveland Regional Office were called in shortly after midnight Jan. 16 by the Acworth Police Department to investigate a shooting involving one of their officers that took place during a traffic stop on n Interstate 75 entrance ramp.

Preliminary information released by the GBI indicates the officer stopped Tanner Matthew Titmas, 24, of Acworth on the entrance ramp on suspicion of driving under the influence.

The traffic stop was initiated in Acworth’s city limits, but Titmus allegedy continued to drive and eventually stopped on the entrance ramp of Exit 277 in Cherokee County.

The officer instructed Titmas to exit the vehicle, but the motorist refused and told officers he was not intoxicated, the GBI said in its news release.

The officer then called in a partner to help evaluate Titmas’ behavior. The man allegedly told officers he did take prescription medication, but “continued to say he was not intoxicated,” the GBI said.

Titmas was classified as a “less safe driver demonstrating signs of impairment,” and an Acworth police supervisor was called in assist.

Titmas was then told he was being arrested for DUI. According to the GBI, he told officers that he was not going to jail and rolled up the window to his vehicle.

“Titmas continued to be noncompliant to the officers’ commands,” the agency said. “As one of the officers attempted to gain entry into the car by knocking out a window, Titmas produced a handgun and pointed it at the officer. One of the officers fired at Titmas through the closed window striking him in the torso.”

Emergency medical crews were called to the scene and transported Titmas to an area hospital where he is listed in critical condition.

No officers were injured during the incident, and the GBI said Titmas is facing charges associated with the traffic violations and additional charges are forthcoming for aggravated assault on a police officer.

Once the GBI’s investigation into the events is complete, it will turn its information over to the Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office for any action they feel is necessary.

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