Dispute over debt leads to gun battle in Gilmer County

Gilmer County authorities have charged four men with aggravated assault after an attempt to collect on a debt escalated into a gun battle that left three people shot.

According to Gilmer Sheriff Stacy Nicholson, Ricky Silvers, Ben Forrest, Dennis Gravely and Lloyd Silvers went to Michael Stafford’s home on Simmons Drive outside Ellijay about 11:30 a.m. Sunday to collect a debt.

Gunfire broke out, and Forrest and Ricky Silvers were both shot in the head. They were airlifted to Atlanta Medical Center.

A female at the home was also wounded, Nicholson said in a statement.

The sheriff said the woman was dropped off at North Georgia Medical Center by Stafford, who then fled.

The hospital was put on temporary lockdown until authorities notified administrators that Stafford had likely left the area. Nicholson said Stafford was being sought early Monday as a witness.

Ricky Silvers, Lloyd Silvers, Forrest and Gravely are all facing aggravated assault charges.