Man attacking Banks County deputy's SUV with hatchet shot, GBI says
A Banks County deputy opened fire on a man carrying a hatchet, the GBI said, after an attempted traffic stop on US 441 on April 14, 2022. (Georgia Bureau of Investigation)
BANKS COUNTY, Ga. - A man carrying a hatch following an attempted traffic stop was shot by a Banks County deputy on Thursday.
Eric Edward Webb, 43, of Franklin, NC, was driving a truck pulling a small trailer down US 441 when it passed an unmarked deputy's SUV.
The deputy turned on their blue lights in an attempt to pull over Webb. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Webb swerved his truck in front of the deputy's vehicle and left the highway, coming to a stop on an embankment near Shady Grove Road. The deputy followed.
Webb then go out of his truck carrying a hatchet, approached the deputy's vehicle, and began smashing the glass on the driver's side window.
The GBI said the deputy opened fire on Webb while seated inside his SUV, striking him several times.
Webb was taken to an area hospital, was treated and is expected to survive.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was asked to investigate the shooting. Investigators will turn over the results of the case to the Piedmont Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.