Suspect Shot After Opening Fire on Deputies at Forsyth CVS

A Monroe County Sheriff’s Office warrant service led to an exchange of gunfire at a CVS in Forsyth on April 1, 2025, leaving one man injured.

At approximately 1:30 p.m., deputies attempted to serve multiple warrants on John Monroe Barnes, 34, of Ellenwood, GA, in the store’s parking lot at the corner of Tift College Drive and Patrol Road. Barnes opened fire on the deputies, who returned fire, striking him.

Barnes was transported to a Macon hospital with what appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries. No deputies were injured in the incident.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is conducting an independent investigation at the request of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Once completed, the case will be reviewed by the Towaliga Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office. Additional charges against Barnes are pending.