Man in Body Armor Shot After Firing at Deputies Outside Gwinnett County Jail

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting at the Gwinnett County Jail following an incident involving 44-year-old Emmanuel Patrick Bearden of Peachtree Corners, GA. Bearden is currently in critical but stable condition. No deputies were injured.

According to preliminary information, at around 3:10 p.m., Bearden entered the jail wearing body armor and accompanied by his young daughter. After being screened by deputies, Bearden became hostile. He carried his daughter back to his vehicle, where he retrieved multiple firearms. Bearden then fired at deputies after refusing to comply with their commands. Deputies returned fire, hitting Bearden.

Bearden received immediate medical aid and was transported to a local hospital. His daughter was unharmed and was safely reunited with family members.

Bearden has been charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, with additional charges expected. The GBI is conducting an independent investigation, and once complete, the case will be reviewed by the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office.