Villa Rica, GA – On Thursday, April 26, 2018, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) was requested by the Villa Rica Police Department to investigate an officer involved shooting.

Preliminary information from Villa Rica authorities indicates that at approximately 4:30 a.m., Villa Rica Police responded to an alarm call at the Easy Quick Shop located at 1607 W. Bankhead Highway. Upon arrival, an officer made contact with Daniel Daigle, age 30, who was pumping air into a tire on his vehicle. A second officer arrived and conducted an exterior search of the convenience store while the first officer collected Daigle’s identification. 

While he was with the officer, Daigle retrieved his driver’s license from inside his vehicle. Daigle entered into the driver’s side of his vehicle and while doing so, he pulled his vehicle forward. Daigle then put the vehicle in reverse and struck the air pump and a utility pole. Officers gave verbal commands to stop, but Daigle did not comply and drove forward, striking a patrol car. One officer fired his service weapon into Daigle’s vehicle. Daigle fled the area in his vehicle.

At approximately 9:30 a.m., Daigle’s vehicle was located approximately five miles from the initial scene. A subsequent K-9 search put law enforcement officers in the area of 295 Jennifer Lane in Temple, GA. Daigle was located inside the residence where he was arrested without incident. Daigle had gunshot wounds to his right forearm and left leg. Daigle was transported to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta where he was treated for his injuries. Additionally, Daigle had outstanding arrest warrants for possession of methamphetamine and a probation failure to appear warrant.

No officers were injured during the incident.  

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

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