Suicidal Man Shot by Clarkesville Police Officer on September 7th Has Died

The GBI has provided an update on an officer-involved shooting that occurred on September 7th. Aaron Allen Patterson, a 41-year-old man from Clarkesville, died on September 20, 2024.

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The shooting unfolded around 6:15 PM when a Clarkesville Police Officer was dispatched to perform a welfare check on Patterson, who was reported as a possible suicidal person at the Cameron Apartments. Upon arrival, the officer was unable to contact Patterson. A Demorest Police Officer arrived as backup and spotted Patterson walking with a handgun. When approached, Patterson fled from the officers.

Habersham County Sheriff’s deputies responded to assist, and an officer eventually located Patterson armed with a rifle. When Patterson turned towards the officers while holding the rifle, multiple officers fired at him, resulting in several gunshot wounds.

Medical treatment was administered at the scene before EMS transported Patterson by helicopter to a local hospital, where he remained in critical condition until his death on September 20.

The GBI’s investigation is ongoing, and once completed, the findings will be submitted to the Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.