GBI investigates woman's assault in traffic stop

By Angel K. Brooks

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Authorities are investigating after a woman said she was assaulted Sunday during a traffic stop by a man she believed to be a law enforcement officer, the GBI said.

The incident happened off U.S. 129 in Jackson County around 10 p.m. The woman said she was pulled over and assaulted near B. Whitfield Road and Holiday Cemetery Road by a man driving a Crown Victoria police-type vehicle with a light bar on the roof, the GBI said.

The suspect is described as a dark-haired white male, about 6 feet tall with a medium build. He was wearing clothes that appeared consistent with an officer's uniform, the woman said.

Authorities are also trying to identify the driver of a red truck who the woman said may have witnessed the incident while slowly driving past.

Please contact the GBI Athens office at 706-552-2309 or the GBI tip line at 1-800-597-8477 with any information on this or similar incidents in the area.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office also is investigating.

When worried about the legitimacy of a traffic stop, citizens are urged to call 911 and tell the operator that they will stop in a public place or well-lit area, the GBI said.