(Carroll County, GA) In the early morning hours on June 22, 2023, Deputy Archie Barber was on routine patrol running laser detection along Highway 27 North when he clocked a vehicle traveling Northbound speeding. Deputy Barber initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle, a gold/tan 2004 Chevrolet Silverado at the intersection of Gray Road and Highway 27. As Deputy Barber exited his vehicle the suspect vehicle fled from the traffic stop and Deputy Barber pursued the vehicle onto Stripling Chapel Road near Rivers Pools and continued towards Oak Grove Church Road. The suspect produced a handgun out of the driver’s side window during the pursuit and shot towards Deputy Barber a total of five times,(rapid fire two rounds the first time, and then three more rounds) striking his patrol vehicle.

Deputy Barber continued the pursuit as back up units were en route to him. The suspect vehicle did wreck near SOMA Apartment complex on Hays Mill Road and the driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot. During the initial search of the vehicle a firearm was located in the driver’s seat. The vehicle information returned to a resident in Heard County, GA and Deputies made contact with the owner of the truck who advised the truck must have been stolen while they were sleeping and after a search with the owner around the property, it was discovered that his wife’s vehicle was broken into, and her firearm was missing. Through investigative techniques, a suspect was developed, and the 16-year-old was taken into custody over the weekend without further incident. 

16-year-old Damion King O’Neal Patterson has been charged with the following and will be tried in Superior Court. 

Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder 

Aggravated Assault against a Law Enforcement Officer 

Criminal Interference with Government Property 

Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Crime 

Theft by Receiving Firearm 

Theft by Receiving Motor Vehicle 

Reckless Conduct 

Fleeing and Attempting to Elude 

Reckless Driving 

Speeding 

“We are so grateful that Deputy Barber is ok. This incident just continues to shed light on the dangers of this job and the fact that nothing is ever “routine” in this line of work,” Sheriff Terry Langley said. “A simple traffic stop can turn deadly in a matter of seconds and thank God everyone went home whole this night.”