Woodstock, GA – On Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at approximately 3:10 AM, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Cleveland Office was requested by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Woodstock Police Department to conduct an investigation into an officer involved shooting involving William Candler, 35, of Woodstock, GA.   The shooting incident occurred at 1451 Olde Mill Trace Woodstock, Georgia (Cherokee County).   

At approximately 2 AM, Cherokee County E911 center received a suicide threat call at 1451 Olde Mill Trace Woodstock, Georgia.  Woodstock Police Officers were requested to respond to the residence by Cherokee E911.  Subsequent information indicated a female and two young children were in the home with the armed male.  As officers arrived at the residence, the female and children safely fled from the residence. 

Woodstock PD Officers approached the residence in an effort to make contact with William Candler.  As officers approached Candler, he exited the residence and went to the front porch with a rifle.  Police Officers issued verbal commands to drop the weapon; however, Candler raised the rifle at the officers at which time the officers fired at Candler resulting in the shooting incident.  No officers sustained injuries during this incident.    

Candler was admitted to the Kennestone Hospital where he is being treated for his injuries.  Candler is in police custody and will be charged with two counts of aggravated assault. 

Once the GBI completes the investigation, the results will be forwarded to the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit for judicial review.

The officers involved in the incident were placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of this investigation.   

Contact: Nelly Miles 404/270-8332