GBI Investigates Officer Involved Shooting in Jefferson County 

Wadley, GA (October 23, 2023) –  The GBI is investigating an officer involved shooting in Wadley, Jefferson County, Georgia. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office requested the GBI to conduct an independent investigation on October 21, 2023. One man was shot and injured. No deputies or officers were injured during this incident. 

The preliminary information indicates that on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at around 10:05 a.m., the Jefferson County 911 Center received several calls from citizens stating that a man, later identified as Larry Reese Jr., age 38, of Wadley, GA, was shooting at vehicles with a handgun on Main Street in Wadley, GA. A Wadley police officer responded and encountered Reese near Main Street. Reese pointed his gun at the officer and then began running from the area. The officer chased Reese through multiple streets in the city. During the chase, the officer and Reese exchanged gunfire.  

An off-duty Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office deputy encountered Reese at the intersection of Bedingfield Street and East Calhoun Street. During this encounter, the deputy shot Reese in the leg. Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Wadley police officers administered first aid until EMS personnel arrived.  

Reese was taken to the Augusta University Medical Center where he is being treated for his injuries.  

This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to call the GBI at 706-595-2575. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app. 

The GBI will conduct an independent investigation. Once complete, the case file will be given to the Middle Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.