News

Details released on Christmas Eve shooting

GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – Details are finally coming to light over a shooting reported over Christmas Eve involving response from Gilmer’s Sheriff’s Deputies, Criminal Investigation Division (CID), and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).

According to the incident report released from the Sheriff’s Office, officers en route to respond to other situations were redirected just after 7 p.m. to respond to an incident on Newberry Drive, near Old Bucktown Road, regarding a “person shot” report.

Officers arrived on scene where a Green Ford Focus was blocking the entrance to a residence, some officers moved past the vehicle on foot where they found Dustin Mays shot and bleeding from his chest. The report indicates authorities immediately began first aid and EMT’s continued upon arrival.

Authorities entered the cabin on-site to secure the location and the report indicates that officers found the weapon used in the shooting inside the cabin as well.

According to the report, two others were involved in the incident and officers made contact with these two on-site. Officers remained with the two people as the initial investigation ensued.

As officers moved the vehicle blocking the entrance and EMT’s were amid care for Mays, the call for a helicopter was sent and Mays was later life-flighted to Atlanta Medical Center. One officer did note a strong smell of Marijuana from the car, however, no specific information has been released saying who the vehicle belonged to.

The two others found on-scene were released by authorities and CID and the GBI are continuing the investigation. As of January 2, 2020, when the report was initially filed, indications point that none of the three have been labeled as suspects nor been charged with anything. Additionally, authorities have not made any confirmations on the shooting being accidental, intentional, or self-defense.

However, it is our current understanding that the investigation is still ongoing and FYN will continue posting new information on the Christmas Eve shooting when available.

Lonnie Adams

View Comments

  • From my family's experience people can murder someone in Ellijay and it will just be swept under the rug, thanks for nothing Gilmer county and GBI

  • He was shot like a dog he had no weapons was trying to get to the river and was shot 7 times was not near a home and told the people his name when asked and then just started shooting him for no reason our family wants justice this was uncalled for the home owner should have had law enforcement come to check on what was going on but I've never seen a dog be treated like this and this FAMILY WANTS JUSTICE!! There men should not be walking on streets they think it's fine to just shoot ppl for no reason and our FAMILY WILL BE HEARD.. This gives others to believe they can just shoot ppl that take a wrong turn and this is not fair someone needs to be put away our family member is messed up for life with bullets that will never come out YES we are mad he is not a dog!!!!

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