Braselton, Georgia  – On Friday, November 3, 2017, at approximately 10:00 a.m., the Gwinnett County Police Department (GCPD) attempted to arrest James Corey Heard, 36, in the 2300 block of Buford Highway in Gwinnett County.  Heard was wanted on outstanding arrest warrants for violation of probation, fleeing and eluding, obstruction, and reckless driving. 

Heard, who was driving a 1997 Ford Escort, fled from the officers and led them on a high-speed chase into Hall County.  During the chase, Heard pointed a firearm at the pursuing officers and fired out of the window of his vehicle.  The chase continued into the city limits of Braselton where Heard began driving on the wrong side of Friendship Road, near the intersection with Georgia Highway 211. GCPD Officer Jason Robertson, executed a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) on Heard’s vehicle in an effort to stop Heard.  

During the execution of the PIT maneuver, Heard pointed a handgun at Officer Robertson.  Both vehicles came to rest adjacent to each other and Officer Robertson fired multiple shots at Heard from his patrol vehicle.  Heard was found to have injuries to his hand and his head.  Evidence discovered during the course of the investigation suggests that the gunshot wound to Heard’s head may have been self-inflicted.  Heard is presently at Gwinnett Medical Center and is expected to recover from his injuries. No officers were not injured during the incident.  Heard will be charged in Hall County with aggravated assault on a police officer, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.              

The GBI investigation into the matter is ongoing.  Upon completion, the case will be turned over to the Northeastern Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office for review and prosecution.

Michael Walsingham – Assistant Special Agent in Charge | Cleveland | 706-348-4866