GBI Investigates Officer Involved Shooting in Union County

Blairsville, GA (February 19, 2024) – At the request of the Union County Sheriff’s Office, GBI agents are investigating an officer involved shooting in Union County, GA. Wendall Cross, age 85, of Blairsville, GA, was shot and killed. No officers were injured.   

Preliminary information indicates on February 18, 2024, at 3:20 p.m., Union County 911 received a domestic dispute with a gun call. Union County deputies were dispatched to a home on Wesley Mountain Road. Deputies responded to the home and attempted to negotiate with Cross, who was armed. Cross fired his gun in the direction of the deputies while they were giving him commands to put down his gun. Deputies returned fire and shot Cross. Deputies rendered aid to Cross, and he was taken to a local hospital by Union County EMS. 

Cross died as a result of his injuries.    

The GBI will conduct an independent investigation. Once complete, the file will be given to the Union County District Attorney’s Office for review.