TALKING ROCK — A suspect police say violated a restraining order and fired a weapon at a deputy was shot and killed Saturday in Talking Rock.
According to the GBI, the investigation revealed that at about 11 a.m., the Pickens County 911 Center received a trespass call at a residence in Talking Rock. The subject was identified by the 911 caller as 52-year-old Derek Cooper of Acworth. The caller said there was a restraining order against Cooper and that Cooper attempted to kill his wife during a domestic incident this week.
GBI officials say Cooper was in fact out on bond for the domestic violence incident with conditions of no contact with his wife and children. The wife, children and another family member were hiding inside the residence.
The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office responded to the residence to find Cooper in the back yard. According to the GBI, a deputy gave Cooper verbal commands at which time Cooper brandished a firearm and fired at the deputy. Cooper then attempted to make entry into the residence by force and armed with a gun. The deputy fired at Cooper, striking him.
Lifesaving measures were performed on Cooper by deputies until Pickens County Fire Services arrived to take over his care.
Cooper was transported to an area hospital for treatment where he died as a result of his injuries. The autopsy with the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office is pending.
The involved officer was not injured in this incident.
Upon completion of the investigation, the case will be provided to the Appalachian Judicial Circuit District Attorney for review.
