PICKENS COUNTY, Ga. — Authorities say a suspect is dead and a deputy is OK after a shooting in Pickens County on Saturday morning.
The Pickens County Sheriff's Office reports that one of its deputies was responding to a domestic incident when that deputy encountered the suspect, who was armed. The sheriff's office reports that both the deputy and the suspect opened fire.
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, authorities received a trespass call at a residence in Talking Rock, Georgia.
The subject was identified by the 911 caller as Derek Cooper, 52, of Acworth. The caller indicated there was a restraining order against Cooper and that Cooper attempted to kill his wife during a domestic incident this week.
The GBI confirmed Cooper was in fact out on bond for the domestic violence incident with conditions of no contact with his wife and children.
The wife, children and another family member were hiding inside the residence.
The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office responded to the residence to find Cooper in the back yard, the GBI said. A deputy allegedly gave Cooper verbal commands at which time Cooper brandished a firearm and fired at the deputy. Cooper then attempted to make entry into the residence by force and armed with a gun.
The deputy fired at Cooper, striking him, the GBI said. Lifesaving measures were performed on Cooper by deputies until Pickens County Fire Services arrived to take over his care. Cooper was transported to an area hospital for treatment where he died as a result of his injuries.
Upon completion of the investigation, the GBI said the case will be provided to the Appalachian Judicial Circuit District Attorney for review.
