GBI Investigates Officer-Involved Shooting Following SUV Crash Into Cornelia Business
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is conducting an investigation into an officer-involved shooting in Cornelia, Georgia, at the request of the Cornelia Police Department. The incident occurred on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at approximately 5:50 p.m. after Cornelia Police responded to a 911 call reporting an SUV that had crashed into a business on Irvin Street near Level Grove Road.
Cornelia Police officers and Fire Department personnel arrived to find an SUV that had driven through the front of the business. The driver, identified as 33-year-old Christian Drake Shurtleff of Mt. Airy, Georgia, was in the vehicle with his 7-year-old daughter, who was safely removed from the vehicle without injury.
According to the GBI, Shurtleff became uncooperative and combative with the responding officer. A struggle ensued, and during the altercation, the officer discharged his firearm, injuring Shurtleff. He was transported to a hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Shurtleff now faces a felony charge of obstruction of a law enforcement officer, with additional charges pending. The Georgia State Patrol is handling the investigation related to the vehicle accident, while the GBI’s independent investigation will be forwarded to the Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney for review upon completion.
