GLYNN COUNTY, Ga. () — A man was taken into custody early Saturday after allegedly firing at police officers during a welfare check.
The Glynn County Police Department (GCPD) reported that patrol officers responded to Motel 6 on the 3000 block of Scarlett Street just after midnight to investigate a reported domestic violence situation.
During the welfare check, the suspect, identified as David Kevin Griffis, 58, allegedly fired multiple shots at officers using a handgun.
During the encounter, three officers discharged their weapons, and the suspect, Griffis, retreated and barricaded himself in his motel room. Fortunately, none of the officers were harmed in the gunfire exchange.
Police called in crisis negotiators in an attempt to get Griffis to voluntarily surrender. When these negotiations failed, the GCPD SWAT team used CS/OC gas in the room, successfully apprehending Griffis without further complications.
Griffis was taken to a hospital for treatment related to gas inhalation. Officials said he did not suffer gunshot wounds.
The GCPD sought the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s (GBI) assistance. At the same time, detectives from the GCPD Criminal Investigation division are examining the events surrounding the alleged aggravated assault on the officers. Additionally, the GCPD Office of Professional Standards and Accountability will review the department’s policies on officer-involved shootings.
Griffis was subsequently charged with four counts of aggravated assault against law enforcement officers, as well as possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm during the commission of specific crimes.
After obtaining a search warrant, police found Griffis had several drugs and narcotics, including:
- 28 grams of marijuana
- 10 grams of fentanyl
- 10 additional packages of fentanyl
- 14 grams of crack cocaine
- 0.8 grams of cocaine
- 14 grams of methamphetamine
- Various scheduled prescription pills
- Two handguns
Any person with information should contact the GCPD non-emergency line at 912-554-3645 or anonymously at 912-264-1333.
