GBI: Waycross officer-involved shooting being investigated after gunshots riddle car carrying children

Waycross, GA. — Two teenagers are facing charges in an officer-involved shooting in Waycross Georgia.

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, in addition to the two teens who were arrested, three other children, including a nine-year-old ran from the vehicle.

The father, Dominique Goodman, recorded the video and claims the teens were pulled over while they were coming home to pick him up so that they could all attend a football tournament in Jacksonville.

“My little baby come in the house crying and all you hear is gunshots behind them,” Goodman.

Goodman recorded video that was posted on Facebook. He claims an officer fired his gun at the teens. According to the GBI, no one was struck by gunfire.

“I’m a parent. These my kids they shot at. It’s my kids that they’re taking to jail,” Goodman said.

According to GBI investigators, at around 8 a.m. Saturday, an officer with the Waycross Police Department tried to stop the car at the intersection of Howe and Brunell Street when three children got out and started running.

“The whole neighborhood is a witness,” Goodman said.

Investigators say while the first officer chased the three children. A second officer arrived and approached the car. He said the driver steered the car toward him, so he fired several times.

Investigators say two boys ages 15 and 16 got out of the car while it was still in gear. An altercation followed and the 15-year-old was placed in handcuffs and then treated for his injuries.

“This man is bleeding out the face and is only 15 years-old,” Goodman said.

According to a statement from Waycross Police the 16-year-old driver is charged with possession of a handgun by a minor, reckless driving, aggravated assault on a police officer, driving without a license and a stop sign violation.

The 15-year-old is charged with possession of a handgun by a minor, felony obstruction of an officer and removal or attempt to remove a firearm from an officer.

Action News Jax Law and Safety Expert Dale Carson says with only limited facts it will be up to body camera footage to reveal exactly what happened.

“We don’t know at this point what the facts are. We know what the police say, and the father says but those two things are different,” said Carson.

GBI investigators said the three children who ran away went home and were not injured. The two officers involved are on administrative leave, which is standard procedure.

Cox Media Group