Union County Deputies Kill Armed 85-year-old Man, GBI to Investigate

At the behest of the Union County Sheriff’s Office, agents from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) are looking into an officer-involved shooting incident in Union County. The incident resulted in the death of Wendall Cross, aged 85, of Blairsville, GA. No officers sustained injuries.

According to preliminary reports, on February 18, 2024, at approximately 3:20 p.m., Union County 911 received a call reporting a domestic dispute involving a firearm. Dispatched deputies headed to a residence situated on Wesley Mountain Road.

Upon arrival, deputies engaged with Wendall Cross, who was reportedly armed. Despite attempts to negotiate with Cross, he discharged his firearm towards the deputies while they were issuing commands for him to disarm.

In response to the threat, deputies returned fire, resulting in Cross being shot.

Immediate medical assistance was administered to Cross by the deputies, and he was transported to a nearby hospital by Union County EMS, but was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The GBI has assumed control of an independent investigation into the incident. Upon its conclusion, all findings will be submitted to the Union County District Attorney’s Office for further review and potential action.