GBI: Deputy-involved shooting during burglary call in Lumpkin County

LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. (FOX 5 Atlanta) - A woman was arrested after being accused of breaking into a Lumpkin County home and then running over a deputy’s foot trying to flee the scene in her vehicle, investigators said. That officer’s gun was discharged during the incident and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been asked to look into it.

Lumpkin County Sheriff Stacy M. Jarrard said it happened around 7:10 p.m. in the area of Pecks Mill Creek after a report of a possible burglary in progress. Neighbors driving by a house and saw inside what they believed to be a burglar. They called 911 and deputies quickly responded.

Deputies said they found 33-year-old Valery Michelle Barron inside and tried to take her into custody, but she fled. Investigators said Barron eventually got into a car and took off, running over a deputy’s foot in the process. Sheriff Jarrard said the deputy’s gun discharged at that point but didn’t elaborate.

Barron drove away from the neighborhood, but deputies said she was arrested a short time later at her home in neighboring White County.

Barron was not injured, according to the sheriff. She was transported to the Lumpkin County Jail where she was quested by investigators.

The deputy was also said to be fine and no injuries were reported.

The sheriff said he was stepping up patrols in the area overnight to help ease the neighborhood’s concerns, but that there is no longer any immediate danger.