[ September 20, 2020 ] GBI PRESS RELEASE:
Talking Rock, Georgia ? On Saturday, September 19, 2020, at approximately 11:40 a.m., the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was requested by the Pickens County Sheriff?s Office to conduct an officer involved shooting investigation.?

The investigation revealed that at approximately 11 a.m., the Pickens County 911 Center 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, Georgia.? The caller indicated there was a restraining order against Cooper and that Cooper attempted to kill his wife during a domestic incident this week.? 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.? A deputy 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.? 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.? The autopsy with the GBI Medical Examiner?s Office is pending.?

The involved officer was not injured in this incident.

Upon completion of the investigation, the case will be provided to the Appalachian Judicial Circuit District Attorney for review.?

This is the 70th officer involved shooting that the GBI has been requested to investigate in 2020.? The GBI has been requested to investigate a total of 71 OIS?s in 2020.

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9/19/20 PSO PRESS RELEASE (by Captain Kris Stancil, Pickens Sheriff's Office):
Following the response to a domestic incident, a Pickens Sheriff?s Office Deputy encountered and armed suspect. Shots were fired from the suspect and the deputy.

During the shooting the suspect was struck and has been transported to a local hospital. The deputy was not injured.

The GBI has been requested and they are conducting and investigation into the incident at this time.

No additional details are available at this time.