Rossville, GA – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has arrested a Higdon, Alabama woman for the false report of a crime that led to an officer involved shooting.

On Monday, January 1, 2018, at approximately 3:15 a.m., deputies with the Walker County Sheriff’s Office responded to 147 Meadowview Lane after receiving a 911 call from Dorothy Marie Gass, 65.  Dorothy Gass reported that her daughter-in-law, Amy Gass, was going to kill her children and then kill herself.

When deputies responded to the residence they made contact with Amy Gass’ father, Mark Steven Parkinson, who had a handgun.  During the encounter, Parkinson pointed the weapon at a deputy, who then shot Parkinson.  Parkinson died from his wounds.

The GBI’s investigation found no evidence that Amy Gass threatened her children or herself.

Dorothy Gass was charged with one misdemeanor count of false report of a crime. Dorothy Gass turned herself into the Walker County Jail where she was released on her own recognizance.

Walker County, GA (January 1, 2018) – On January 1, 2018, the Walker County Sheriff’s Office requested the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) to investigate an officer involved shooting that resulted in the death of Mark Steven Parkinson, age 65.

Preliminary information from Walker County authorities indicates that on January 1, 2018, at approximately 3:15 AM, Walker County deputies were dispatched to 147 Meadowview Lane, Rossville, GA for a welfare check after a 911 call was made.  In the call, information was provided that stated a female at the residence was threatening to kill herself and her children.  Once on scene, Deputy John Chandler observed Parkinson within the residence with a weapon.  Deputies announced multiple times that they were from the Walker County Sheriff’s Office.  Parkinson pointed the weapon at Deputy Chandler.  Subsequently, Deputy Chandler fired multiple shots at Parkinson, striking him. 

No officers were injured during this incident.  Parkinson will be transported to the GBI Crime Lab for an autopsy.

The GBI will continue its independent investigation.  Once completed, the case will be turned over to the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.

Greg Ramey – Special Agent in Charge | Calhoun | [email protected]