Sheriff’s Office responds to rumors of officer injury

JASPER, Ga. – Rising concerns from citizens and added confusion over incidents tonight have prompted the Picken’s County Sheriff’s Office to respond with details and assurances that there was not an officer involved in a shooting.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, earlier tonight deputies received a call of shots being fired near the area of Big Ridge Road in West Pickens County. Officers were dispatched to the scene. The Sheriff’s Office has stated, “While attempting to respond, a Deputy was involved in an accident near Bent Tree when his vehicle left the roadway and collided with a tree. The deputy was transported to the hospital and is being treated for minor injuries.”

Though authorities have made one arrest in relation to the shots fired call, and a continuing investigation is underway by detectives, the Deputy who collided with the tree was a separate incident.

Authorities went on to say, “As the event unfolded, many who were listening to police scanner traffic believed it to be an officer involved shooting. This was NOT the case.”