GBI Investigates Officer Involved Shooting in Whitfield County

September 10th Update #1:

On Wednesday, September 9, 2020, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Dalton Lee Potter, 29, was taken into custody without incident after a three-day manhunt. Potter was wanted for shooting Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Darrell Hackney several times in the early morning hours of Monday, September 7 and fleeing the scene. Earlier on Wednesday, authorities were alerted to the area of north Gordon County following a home invasion by Potter on a citizen. During the home invasion, Potter and the homeowner exchanged gunfire. The homeowner was shot and transported to the hospital, where he is in stable condition and expected to recover. Potter fled the scene of the home invasion as numerous local, state, and federal agencies converged to the area of north Gordon County/south Whitfield County to create a perimeter and conduct a search. Potter was located hiding in a swampy area near Bandy Lake in Resaca, Gordon County. It is believed during the gunfire exchange with the Gordon County homeowner, Potter was grazed by gunfire, resulting in a superficial wound to the head. Potter was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released into the custody of the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office. Potter remains in the Whitfield County Jail.

In addition to the five counts of aggravated assault Potter was originally charged with in Whitfield County, he now also faces the following charges: in Whitfield County: possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm during a commission of a felony, felony obstruction, theft by receiving, possession of an explosive by a convicted felon; in Gordon County: three counts of aggravated assault, three counts of aggravated battery, two counts of burglary, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and felony obstruction.

Deputy Hackney is recovering and expected to return to work next week.

September 9th Update #2:

Dalton Potter is wanted in Leakey, Real County, TX for larceny and theft of over $2500. Potter is wanted in Georgia for five counts of aggravated assault. Described as a white male, 6’ tall, 135 lbs. Last seen wearing a blue tank top and gold rimmed eyeglasses.

Jonathan Hosmer is also wanted in Leakey, Real County, TX for larceny and theft of over $2500. Hosmer has been arrested and charged in Georgia with possession of methamphetamine, bringing stolen property into the state, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

If you have any information on Potter, please contact the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office at 706-370-4900.

September 9th Update #1:

On Tuesday, September 8, 2020, a search warrant was executed on the stolen trailer Dalton Potter was hauling at the time of the OIS. Explosives were found in the trailer that will be destroyed by the GBI Bomb Disposal Unit.

Dalton Potter is still wanted and the BLUE ALERT is still active.

If you have any information on Potter, please contact the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office at 706-370-4900.

September 8th Update #1:

Jonathan Hosmer, age 47, is in police custody.  Dalton Potter remains at large.

If you have any information on Potter, please contact the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office at 706-370-4900.

September 7th Update #1: 

A second wanted Texas fugitive has been identified in the Whitfield County officer involved shooting.  Jonathan Hosmer, age 47, was captured on a home surveillance system in a subdivision near the truck wreck last night in the Whitfield/Gordon County line.  Charges are pending.

Dalton Potter is facing a charge of aggravated assault on the deputy.  

If you have any information on Potter, please contact the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office at 706-370-4900.

ORIGINAL RELEASE

Whitfield County, GA (September 7, 2020) – On Monday, September 7, 2020, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was requested by the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office to investigate an officer involved shooting in Dalton, GA.

Preliminary information indicates that Dalton Potter, age 29, a wanted Texas fugitive, was driving a stolen trailer.   During a traffic stop of the stolen trailer, Potter fired numerous gunshots at Whitfield County Sheriff’s Deputy Darrell Hackney from inside his vehicle.  Deputy Hackney was struck by gunfire, but his ballistic vest prevented serious injury.  Deputy Hackney and responding Whitfield County Deputy Adrian Gomez returned fire, but Potter escaped driving south on I-75.  Potter later wrecked the truck, and the stolen trailer was located on I-75 South near the Whitfield /Gordon County line.  Potter escaped into the woods on foot and has not been captured.  Potter is considered armed and dangerous and a “Blue Alert” has been issued for Potter’s capture.

The GBI will continue its independent investigation. Once completed, it will be turned over to the Whitfield County District Attorney’s Office for review.