Suspect Shot While Fleeing in Patrol Car

A suspect wanted on outstanding warrants is recovering from gunshot wounds he received when he when allegedly tried to flee using a Cherokee Sheriff's Office patrol vehicle.

The incident start at around 3 p.m. Tuesday when an "unwelcome guest" call came into the Cherokee County E-911 dispatch center, said sheriff's office spokesperson Lt. Jay Baker.

Baker said a 911 operator was informed the man, who had multiple warrants out for his arrest, left the home and was walking near the Colony Center neighborhood on Highway 92 near the Cobb-Cherokee border. 

The deputy made contact with the suspect in the parking lot of Baxter's Groceries, located at 14865 Highway 92, and the suspect "fled immediately," Baker said. 

"The suspect fled on foot, and the deputy chased him on foot around the building and the suspect jumped into the deputy's patrol car," he added.

The deputy then fired towards the suspect driving the patrol car, but the suspect continued to drive the patrol car west bound towards the Woodstock city limits along Highway 92. 

The chase ensued for about four miles until the suspect, who also hit another car while traveling on the thoroughfare, stopped at the intersection of Highway 92 at Neese Road. The patrol vehicle, including the windshield, was riddled with bullets, and the tires were shot out before it came to rest at the intersection. 

Baker said the suspect was shot was transported to WellStar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta to be treated for an "undisclosed amount of gunshot wounds."

Baker added the sheriff's office is not releasing the suspect's name at this time, but noted he had warrants out for his arrest, including a probation violation out of Gwinnett County and failure to appear from the city of Woodstock. 

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating the deputy-involved shooting.