[ July 17, 2023 ] Jasper, GA (July 18, 2023) - The GBI is investigating an officer involved shooting in Jasper, Georgia. The Pickens County Sheriff's Office requested that the GBI conduct an independent investigation on July 17, 2023. A man was shot and later died after his encounter with deputies. No officers were injured.

Preliminary information indicates that on Monday, July 17, 2023, at about 9:00 a.m., Pickens County 911 received a non-emergency call from a concerned family member about Norman Edward Dawson, age 56, of Pickens County. The caller was concerned that Dawson had a gun, and the caller heard a pop during a telephone call with him. Deputies were dispatched to the location.

At about 9:10 a.m., Pickens County deputies responded to a home on Ginger Drive in Jasper, Georgia. Deputies arrived at the home and encountered Dawson wearing a ballistic vest and armed with a rifle. Deputies made efforts to de-escalate the situation.

Dawson did not put down his rifle and was shot multiple times during the encounter. Dawson was treated by Pickens County EMS and taken to a local hospital. Shortly after arriving at the hospital, Dawson was pronounced dead.

The GBI investigation is active and ongoing. Once complete, the case will be provided to the Appalachian Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office for review.

This is the 53rd officer involved shooting the GBI has been requested to investigate in 2023.

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PRESS RELEASE ON PICKENS SHERIFF'S OFFICE FACEBOOK 7/17/23 by Captain John Cagle, PSO
(PICKENS COUNTY, GEORGIA) - On July 17, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. the Pickens Sheriff's Office responded to 28 Ginger Drive, Jasper, Georgia in reference to a welfare check.

Upon arrival a male subject exited the home wearing a ballistic vest and carrying a rifle. The subject began shooting at deputies and they returned fire. The subject has been transported to the hospital. No deputies were injured.

The investigation has been turned over to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Due to the ongoing investigation the names of the suspect and deputies involved are not being released.

All further information will be released by the GBI.