A former police officer shot the Habersham County sheriff and a deputy Sunday night during a domestic dispute that ended with three dead, according to the GBI.
Sheriff Joey Terrell and Deputy Bill Zigan were responding to a call at the ex-officer’s home when the two were shot by 41-year-old Anthony Giaquinta, the GBI said late Sunday. Both the sheriff and deputy were taken to Northeast Georgia Medical Center for treatment, according to Capt. Mark Perry with the Georgia State Patrol.
“As EMS and law enforcement arrived, he started shooting at Habersham County Sheriff’s deputies,” Perry said. “Two have been wounded. At this point it doesn’t appear serious.”
The GBI said late Sunday the sheriff and deputy are expected to survive.
Giaquinta, a former City of Gainesville officer who had been fired, shot and killed his wife and then Terrell and Zigan, according to the GBI. Giaquinta and another man were both found dead late Sunday. It was not known whether Giaquinta shot himself.
Early information released indicated Giaquinta was a former Habersham County deputy, but that information was later retracted.
The incident happened around 7:30 p.m., just outside of Clarkesville, according to the GSP. Terrell responded to the incident because he knew Giaquinta and believed he could help assist, Channel 2 reported early Monday.
The GBI and other law enforcement agencies are assisting with the investigation.
Habersham County is located about 85 miles northeast of Atlanta.
About the Author
