Press Releases

Rockmart, GA (May 24, 2023) –  The GBI is investigating an officer involved shooting in Rockmart, Georgia. The Polk County Police Department asked the GBI to conduct an independent investigation on May 24, 2023. One man was shot and is being treated. No officers were injured. 

Atlanta, GA (May 24, 2023) –  The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is conducting an officer involved shooting investigation in Atlanta, Georgia. The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) asked the GBI to conduct an independent investigation on May 24, 2023. One man was injured during the incident. No officers were injured. 

Bibb County, GA (May 24, 2023) – The GBI is investigating an officer involved shooting in Bibb County, Georgia. The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office asked the GBI to conduct an independent investigation on May 24, 2023. One man was shot and is being treated.  No officers were injured.

Dublin, Georgia (May 23, 2023) – The GBI is investigating a shooting in Dublin, GA. On Monday, May 22, 2023, at about 9:20 p.m., the Dublin Police Department requested the GBI for assistance. A 17-year-old Dublin teenager contacted Laurens County 911 after being shot multiple times. The teenager was in the 1200 block of Academy Avenue, Dublin, Laurens County, Georgia when he was shot. He was taken to Atrium Health Navicent in Macon, Georgia where he is in critical but stable condition. The teenager made the 911 call at 8:40 p.m. No arrests have been made. 

Albany, GA (May 19, 2023) – On Tuesday, May 16, 2023, the GBI and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) arrested Larry Sparks, A.K.A. Detroit, age 45, of Albany, Dougherty County, Georgia, and charged him with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, following a joint drug investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Southwestern Regional Drug Enforcement Office, the DEA, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Albany Dougherty Drug Unit. Clint Harrell, age 61, of Sylvester, Worth County, Georgia, was also arrested for possession of heroin.

St. Marys, Camden County, GA, GA (05/19/2023) – The GBI has arrested and charged Artie Jones, Jr., 71, of St. Marys, GA, with one count of Battery. On Thursday, May 4, 2023, the St. Marys Police Department asked the GBI to investigate a fight between family members that involved a St. Marys City Council member.

Ringgold, Catoosa County, GA (May 18, 2023) - The GBI is investigating an officer involved shooting in Ringgold, Catoosa County, GA. The Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office asked the GBI to conduct an independent investigation on May 17, 2023. One woman, identified as Jennifer Yates, 40, of Ringgold, GA, was shot, and is in critical but stable condition. No officers were injured in this incident.

Woodbine, Camden County, GA, GA (05/18/2023) – The GBI has arrested and charged Jacoby Anderson, 25, of St. Marys, GA, with one count of Simple Battery and one count of Violation of Oath of Office. On Thursday, May 11, 2023, Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney Keith Higgins requested the GBI to investigate an alleged use of force incident involving Camden County Deputy Jacoby Anderson and an inmate at the Camden County Jail. 

Effingham County, Springfield, GA (May 17, 2023) – The GBI has arrested and charged Effingham County Commissioner Reginald “Reggie” Loper, age 84, of Springfield, Georgia, with child molestation and sexual battery. On January 9, 2023, the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office asked the GBI to investigate allegations of child sexual abuse, which led to Loper’s arrest. 

Update – May 16, 2023

The victim in this case, Jim Mack Johnson, age 56, of Hawkinsville, has died.  GBI agents have charged Napoleon Flowers with malice murder and felony murder.

ORIGINAL NEWS RELEASE

Eastman, Georgia (May 15, 2023) – The GBI has arrested a Cochran, GA man in connection with a shooting incident that occurred in Eastman, GA. Napoleon Flowers, age 21, has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.  On Sunday, May 14, 2023, at 1:11 p.m., the Eastman Police Department requested the GBI for assistance.