Molena, GA – On Wednesday, April 4, 2018, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was requested by the Pike County Sheriff’s Office to investigate an officer involved shooting.

Preliminary information indicates that at approximately 2:28 p.m., the Pike County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call regarding a person pointing a gun at another in the 3100 block of Roberts Quarters Road. Upon arrival, two deputies made contact with Grady Parks, age 70, who was armed with a shotgun and a derringer style over-under handgun.  Parks was reportedly chasing the person who called 911. 

Deputies gave verbal commands for Parks to drop his weapons, but he did not comply. A deputy utilized a Taser, but it was ineffective. A brief struggle ensued between Parks and one of the deputies. Parks reportedly raised his shotgun toward the other deputy and fired.  The shotgun blast missed the deputy. Simultaneously, the deputy fired his service weapon, striking Parks twice.  No officers were injured during the incident.  

Parks was transported to Spalding Regional Hospital in Griffin where he later died. An autopsy will be performed at the GBI Crime Lab in Decatur.

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

Chris DeMarco – Assistant Special Agent in Charge | Columbus | 706-565-7888