GBI Conducting Use of Force Investigation in Adel, GA 

Adel, GA (June 18, 2020) – On Tuesday, June 16, 2020, at approximately 10:00 a.m., the GBI’s Douglas Regional Office received a request from the Adel Police Department to conduct a use of force investigation.

On Monday, June 15, 2020, at approximately 7:00 p.m., the Adel Police Department was notified that a subject known to have felony arrest warrants, Charles Dunwoody, was located in the area of W 6th Street and S Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive in Adel. Adel PD officers and Cook County Sheriff’s Office deputies went to the location in an effort to make contact with the wanted subject. While at the location, officers made contact with an individual matching the clothing description provided of the wanted subject. The individual provided the name of William Tomlinson and a date of birth to officers. The officer queried the name and date of birth given and no record was found. At that time, officers then attempted to arrest the subject. Officers gave the subject several verbal commands to allow them to arrest him, but he did not comply and a struggle occurred. The subject was eventually handcuffed and transported to the Cook County Jail where he was identified as Gary Thomas, Jr., 40, of Adel. Thomas complained of an injury to his wrist from the handcuffs. EMS was called to the jail to treat Thomas and Thomas refused to be taken to the hospital.

The investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the GBI Region 4 office at (912) 389-4103.