Cherokee County, Georgia - On Saturday, January 16, 2016, shortly after midnight, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Cleveland Regional Office was requested by the Acworth Police Department to investigate an officer involved shooting incident that occurred during a traffic stop on the southbound entrance ramp to I-75 at Cowan Road in Cherokee County.

Preliminary information indicates that Acworth Police stopped Tanner Matthew Titmas, 24, of Social Circle for suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI). The traffic stop was initiated within the city limits by Acworth Police. Titmas continued drive around eventually stopping on the entrance ramp to I-75 in Cherokee County. As part of the roadside investigation, Titmas was instructed to exit the vehicle and stated he would not as he was not intoxicated. The officer called for another officer to evaluate Titmas’ behavior as well. Titmas admitted he had taken prescription medication but continued to say he was not intoxicated.  The officers described Titmas as a less safe driver demonstrating signs of impairment.  A supervisor was called to the scene and the officers told Titmas he was being arrested for DUI at which point he said he was not going to jail and rolled up his window. Titmas continued to be noncompliant to the officers’ commands. As one of the officers attempted to gain entry into the car by knocking out a window, Titman produced a handgun and pointed it at the officer. One of the officers fired at Titmas through the closed window striking him in the torso.  EMS was called to the scene and transported Titmas to an area hospital where he is in ICU and in critical condition.  None of the officers were injured during the altercation. Titmas is facing charges associated with the traffic violations and additional charges are forthcoming for Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer.

The GBI will conduct an independent investigation to determine what occurred during the incident. When the investigation is complete, it will be turned over to the Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office for any action they deem appropriate.

Contact:  Scott Dutton 404-270-8330