The GBI is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that happened over the weekend in Pickens County.
Derek Cooper, 52 of Acworth, died Saturday after being shot by a deputy while attempting to break into a residence where his wife and children, and another family member were hiding. Cooper was out of jail on bond after allegedly trying to kill his wife earlier in the week.
At approximately 11 a.m. on September 19, the Pickens County 911 Center received a trespass call at a residence in Talking Rock. The caller identified the trespasser as Cooper and told the 911 operator there was a restraining order against him.
The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office responded to the residence to find Cooper in the back yard. “A deputy gave Cooper verbal commands at which time Cooper brandished a firearm and fired at the deputy,” says GBI spokesperson Nelly Miles. “Cooper then attempted to make entry into the residence by force and armed with a gun. The deputy fired at Cooper, striking him.”
Cooper was transported to an area hospital where he died as a result of his injuries. An autopsy is pending with the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office.
The deputy was not injured.
Following standard procedure, the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office asked the GBI to investigate. Once the investigation is complete, the case will be provided to the Appalachian Judicial Circuit District Attorney for review.
This is one of two officer-involved shootings that occurred over the weekend in Georgia. The other was in Brunswick. The GBI has been asked to investigate a total of 71 officer-involved shootings in 2020.
