Stephens County Sheriff Assaulted During Investigation

Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley continues to recover after being assaulted Wednesday,

It happened about 2p Wednesday afternoon at home on Ranick Drive in Toccoa.

GBI Cleveland office spokesman Mitchell Posey said Sheriff Shirley was responding to a report of a domestic dispute at that address.

“Sheriff Shirley was the first to arrive on scene and immediately attempted to speak with two people, a man and a woman, when the man, identified as 36-year old John Matthews Williams attacked him, striking him in the face,” Posey said.

Williams was arrested and charged with Felony Obstruction of an Officer and Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer.

Meantime, the woman, identified as 29-year old Rebecca Faith Heaton was also arrested.

Heaton is charged with Felony Obstruction of an Officer.

Both Heaton and Williams were taken to the Stephens County Jail and are awaiting a bond hearing.

Meantime, Sheriff Shirley suffered injuries to his face and was taken to Stephens County Hospital where he was treated and released.

Stephens County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Andy Myers tells WLHR News Sheriff Shirley is in good spirits and is expected to make a full recovery.

“This is something that is becoming far too common across our nation and even in our community. Law enforcement officers performing their duties are becoming the target of attacks by aggressive and uncontrollable people,” Meyers said.