Gainesville, GA (January 15, 2019) - On Monday, January 14, 2019, at approximately 11:15 a.m., the GBI was requested by the Gainesville Police Department to conduct an officer involved shooting investigation at 605 South Enota Drive, the offices of Lanier Dermatology, in Gainesville, GA. Preliminary information indicates that a 911 call was made to the Hall County 911 Center at approximately 11:00 a.m. The caller indicated a male was at the office waving a gun. At approximately 11:03 a.m., Gainesville Police Officers arrived at the doctor’s office. The officers made their way into the doctor’s office while clearing staff from the building. When officers encountered the man, he had hostages in an office at gunpoint. Officers gave verbal commands to the male, later identified as Rodney Hamilton, 62, of Dahlonega, GA, which he ignored. Hamilton was shot by an officer during the encounter and was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. Hamilton was a patient at Lanier Dermatology. 

Hamilton’s vehicle was inspected and cleared by the GBI Special Operations Unit out of an abundance of caution. 

The GBI will conduct an autopsy on Hamilton on Tuesday, January 15, 2019. 

Upon completion of the investigation, the case will be provided to the Northeastern Judicial Circuit District Attorney for review. 

Contact Information:

Natalie Ammons - Public Affairs Deputy Director - 404-270-8332