Gainesville, GA (June 14, 2018) - On Thursday, June 14, 2018, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was requested by the Hall County Sheriff’s Office to conduct an officer involved shooting investigation in the area of Ridgeway Drive in Gainesville, Georgia. 

Preliminary information indicates that a 911 call was made to the Hall County 911 Center at approximately 6:40 AM.  The caller indicated a Hispanic Male was walking in the area of Ridgeway Drive armed with a handgun.  Deputies responded to Ridgeway Drive where one deputy encountered a Hispanic Male subject walking between mobile homes.  The subject showed the deputy his gun.  The deputy attempted to make contact with the subject but he ran.  The subject ran up a hill and encountered a second deputy and charged towards this deputy with his gun pointed at him.  Deputies fired at the subject and hit him multiple times.  The subject died at the scene.  The subject was identified as Joseph Villanueva, 29, from California.  Villanueva will be transported to the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy which is scheduled for Friday, June 15, 2018. 

Evidence indicates that Villanueva fired his gun during this incident.

The three officers involved in the incident were placed on administrative leave as is standard protocol for Hall County Sheriff’s Office following an officer involved shooting. 

Upon completion of the investigation, the case will be provided to the Northeastern Judicial Circuit District Attorney for review. 

Contact Information:

Nelly Miles - Public Affairs Director - 404/270-8330