GBI Investigates Use of Force Incident in Grady County

UPDATE

Grady County, GA (August 18, 2020) - The subject who died Sunday afternoon regarding this case is identified as Paul Charles Guerrero, 68, of Grady County.

ORIGINAL RELEASE

Grady County, GA (August 17, 2020) - On Sunday, August 16, 2020, at approximately 5:41 pm, the GBI was requested by Grady County Sheriff Harry Young to conduct a use of force investigation that took place at a residence off of Beth Page Road in Southern Grady County.

Preliminary information indicates that Grady County 911 received a call for Deputies to respond to a male having trouble breathing.  Upon their arrival, they encountered a female bleeding from a head wound who had been assaulted.  Grady County Deputies attempted to contact a male suspect at the residence who barricaded himself inside the residence.  Grady County Deputies requested assistance from the Thomas County SWAT Team to attempt to arrest the male and remove him from the residence.

The male refused to communicate with Thomas County SWAT members who took control at the scene.  OC gas was deployed in the residence to force the male out, but it was unsuccessful. The male threw a cannister outside at SWAT members.  Several less lethal weapons were used to try and gain compliance.  SWAT members attempted to restrain and arrest the male who continued to physically resist arrest.  The male was eventually handcuffed and removed from the residence.  SWAT members noticed the male became unresponsive and attempted to render first aid at the scene.  SWAT medics and local EMT’s who were on scene attempted resuscitation efforts, but they were unsuccessful, and he died at the scene.

An autopsy will be conducted at the GBI Crime Lab this week.  The name of the male is being withheld pending notification of family.  This case is active and ongoing.  Anyone with information is encouraged to call the GBI at 229-225-4090.