A Cornelia man who told investigators he was shot during an attempted robbery has now been charged in connection with that robbery.
On Tuesday, January 19, Habersham County Sheriff’s investigators executed search warrants and conducted interviews related to an incident that occurred January 18 at GA 115 and Mineral Springs Trail. As a result of their investigation, they issued an arrest warrant for Drake Free and identified and arrested the alleged gunman.
The 20-year-old Free previously told officials he arranged to meet a man at the Mineral Springs location to sell him his cellphone. He said during their meeting, the man attempted to rob him and he was shot in the arm. Upon further investigation, officials say it was Free who attempted to rob the gunman who has since been identified as 19-year-old Cameron Wiley of White County.
“Investigators have determined that the actual facts surrounding the incident were not related to the purchase of a cellphone but rather a scheme to deceive and steal money,” says Habersham Sheriff’s Lt. Murray Kogod.
Authorities charged Wiley with one count of aggravated assault and one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He’s being held in the Habersham County jail. No bond has been set.
Free is wanted on one count of robbery but has not yet been arrested.
Investigators first learned of the incident Monday afternoon when they were called to Habersham Medical Center where Free was being treated for his gunshot wound.
