Rockdale Deputies Cleared in April Officer-Involved Shooting Near Elementary School
ROCKDALE COUNTY, Georgia – The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office says two deputies have been cleared following an officer-involved shooting involving a man reported to be naked and wearing a ski mask near an elementary school earlier this year.
According to the sheriff’s office, the incident began on April 13, 2026, when the Rockdale County 911 Communications Center received multiple calls reporting a naked young Black male wearing a ski mask in the area of Avalon Parkway and McCalla Road, near Peek’s Chapel Elementary School.
Deputies were dispatched to investigate the indecent exposure complaint, and Deputy Summers was the first deputy to arrive and make contact with the individual.
Authorities said Deputy Summers issued verbal commands, but the individual refused to comply. The deputy then deployed pepper spray, which officials said was ineffective. A Taser was subsequently used but also failed to stop the individual.
According to the sheriff’s office, the individual then charged toward Deputy Summers. The deputy responded by firing his service weapon twice, striking the man.
Officials said the individual continued advancing toward the deputy. By that time, Deputy Burrell had arrived at the scene and deployed a Taser, causing the individual to fall to the ground.
Deputies restrained the man and immediately began providing medical aid, including applying tourniquets, until emergency medical personnel arrived and took over treatment.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation continues to investigate the shooting, and officials said the case remains open and active.
While the sheriff’s office declined to comment on claims made by the individual’s family, officials stated that an internal review conducted by the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office Office of Professional Standards found that both deputies acted in accordance with department policies and procedures regarding the use of force.
Both deputies have since been cleared and returned to duty.
The sheriff’s office also highlighted its training programs, noting that deputies are required to complete annual training in autism awareness, de-escalation techniques, mental health response, first aid, diminished capacity recognition, ethics, professionalism, crisis intervention, and use-of-force standards.
In addition, the agency employs a full-time mental health clinician who works with deputies during field training.
Officials said body camera footage from the incident will be released after the GBI completes its investigation.
