CARROLL COUNTY, Ga. — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has released the names of the two suspects involved in a shooting and chase that injured three law enforcement officers.
Aaron Shelton, 22 of Alabama, was taken into custody. His cousin, 28-year-old Pier Shelton, was killed in a shootout with the officers.
Carrollton officer Rob Holloway, Villa Rica officer Chase Gordy and Carroll County Deputy Jay Repetto are recovering at local hospitals.
Carroll County Sheriff Terry Langley said the incident began as a traffic stop on Interstate 20 in Carroll County by the Georgia State Patrol. Authorities said the suspects were driving more than 100 mph.
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When a trooper approached the car, the driver sped off, traveling onto Highway 61. At one point, a GSP trooper attempted a PIT maneuver, but the driver regained control of the car and continued to driving.
During the chase, the passenger used a rifle to fire at officers as it went through Carroll County and Villa Rica, authorities said.
Aaron Shelton is being charged currently with 3 counts of aggravated battery and 5 counts of aggravated assault. The GBI did not say whether he was the driver or passenger of the car.
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Holloway was injured when the passenger shot at him, causing him to crash into a pole. Other Carrollton officers stopped to help render aid. He was taken to an Atlanta hospital.
“At some point he leaned out the window and fired rounds into the officer’s vehicle striking Sgt. Rob Holloway, who at that point, the other officers stopped because he hit a pole. He was flown to the hospital where he’s undergoing surgery right now,” said Carrolton Police Chief Joel Richards.
Gordy was hit twice by gunfire during the chase and was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital. A GoFundMe has been set up for his family.
Repetto was shot in the arm during the chase. He was taken to Atlanta Medical Center.
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“It could have been a lot worse, and we’re thankful,” said Carroll County Sheriff Terry Langley. “We pray for the speedy recovery of those officers.”
The incident unfolded behind a neighborhood. Neighbors said they heard the gunfire.
“I noticed they were getting louder and closer and I got up and there were gunshots, and that’s unusual for five in the morning, 5:30. And then I heard pop, pop, pop, pop, then I heard a different caliber of gunshots and I knew something was going on,” said neighbor Diana Baine.
Ithaca Elementary School was closed for the day to help reduce the traffic in the area near where authorities are conducting their investigation.
The GBI has taken over the shooting investigation. This is the 20th officer-involved shooting in Georgia this year.
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