The
Georgia Bureau of Investigations said that Anthony Rawls died from multiple
gunshot wounds.
The fatal,
police-involved shooting happened after officers were dispatched to Rawls’ home
in reference to a domestic dispute.
The
49-year-old prison guard was allegedly pointing a gun at his wife when police
arrived at the 106 Huntwood Lane home. He then fired shots at police, and one
of the bullets grazed an officer only causing minor injuries.
The GBI’s
investigation could take up to 30 days to complete. The agency’s findings will
be turned over to Houston County District Attorney George Hartwig, and he will
decide whether or not the shooting was justified.
As part of normal procedure
in any officer-involved shooting, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was called
in to investigate. Also, Warner Robins Police spokesperson Tabitha Pugh said
the officers involved are on paid administrative leave until the investigation
is completed.
She says
the department is also conducting its own internal affairs investigation to
evaluate if the officers followed department policies.
Neither
the police department nor the GBI have identified the officers involved in the
incident.
Warner
Robins Police Chief Brett Evans released a statement on Tuesday that said,
“The men and women of the Warner Robins Police Department chose the law
enforcement profession to serve our community. We each took an oath to swear to
keep our citizens safe and to preserve life and protect property.
Being
forced to take someone’s life impacts an officer on a deeply personal level.
Deadly force is always a last resort and is only used when a person’s or an
officer’s life is in immediate danger. The officers involved are supervisors,
husbands, fathers and friends. They understand the importance of life and
family.
I have full confidence the Georgia Bureau of Investigations will conduct a
thorough investigation of this incident. I stand in firm support of our
officers and believe the investigation will show that they acted within the
agency’s policies and procedures in accordance with the law. The officers
involved are professional, well trained, and committed to serving the citizens
of Warner Robins. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families involved.
This is an active investigation. No additional details will be released from
our agency. Any questions involving this incident should be directed to the
Georgia Bureau of Investigations.”
HHJ News
