Suspect in Friday’s Shooting in Stephens Co Facing Multiple Charges

In Toccoa-Stephens County, the suspect involved in the shootout Friday on Valley Drive is facing a number of charges.

Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley said 37-year-old Jerry Wayne Dickson of Toccoa is charged with 3 counts of aggravated assault on law enforcement, 1 count of reckless conduct, 1 count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and 2 counts of felony criminal damage to government property.

At about 4:53p last Friday night, residents in the Valley Drive area contacted Stephens County 911 reporting a suspicious male walking in the neighborhood with a rifle.

Stephens County sheriff’s deputies arrived moments later and encountered a male carrying a semi-automatic rifle.

The suspect immediately began firing at deputies striking two sheriff’s cruisers.

One deputy was slightly grazed when a bullet ricocheted from multiple rounds being fired at them by the Dickerson.

The Sheriff said deputies’ cruisers were struck numerous times in the windshield and the driver’s side vehicle and deputies returned fire as the suspect fled on foot.

Habersham County Sheriff’s K-9 officer Roxy and his handler, Deputy Sgt. Eugene Kemp located Dickerson’s weapon, an AR-15, two large clips, and his clothing in a wooded area.

He was found and arrested a short time later without incident.

Sheriff Shirley said a search warrant was executed for Dickerson’s residence later Friday evening, and during the search, a cache of weapons was seized and placed into evidence.

The Sheriff thanked the Toccoa PD, 911, GSP, and the GBI for their assistance with the active shooter incident.

Sheriff Shirley said he also appreciated Gov. Brian Kemp for his personal call checking on the well-being of the deputies.