GBI Investigates Officer Involved Shooting in Kingsland

Kingsland, GA (August 24, 2020) – On Sunday, August 23, 2020, at approximately 11:31 p.m., the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was requested by the Kingsland Police Department to investigate an officer involved shooting that occurred earlier on the same evening.

Kingsland Police Department officers were dispatched to 145 Gross Road in reference to a 911 caller hearing a female screaming. Responding officers encountered an ongoing domestic dispute at the address. Through a window, officers observed Gearil Leonard Williams, 47, inside an apartment holding a knife and a female in distress. As officers made entry into the apartment, the female ran into a bedroom, followed by Williams, who barricaded himself inside the room with the female. Officers attempted to make entry into the bedroom but were unsuccessful. Kingsland PD Sgt. Paul George went outside the apartment and attempted to make entry into the bedroom through a window by breaking it. During the incident, Sgt. George discharged his firearm, striking Williams. Williams was pronounced deceased at the scene. Williams will be transported to the GBI Crime Lab in Pooler for autopsy. The female was transported to a local hospital where she was treated for minor injuries that were sustained during the domestic dispute.

No officers were injured during this incident.

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