Burke County sheriff responds to man’s death in clash with deputies

LOUISVILLE, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The Burke County sheriff is responding after a man died in a combative altercation with Burke County deputies early Friday, according to authorities.

Sheriff Alfonzo Williams released an audio recording responding to this incident Friday evening.

“We really want to stress that we really need help around the state, around the country to help folks with mental health issues,” he said. “Our hearts go out to the family and we want to express our condolences and we ask that you give us the opportunity to conduct a thorough and swift investigation.”

FULL RESPONSE:

Authorities say around 12:11 a.m., Burke County emergency medical crews requested deputy assistance at 1041 Bailey Road, within Burke County but near Louisville, in reference to a combative mental subject.

Deputies say upon arrival, they initially talked the man, identified as Freddie Walker, into being transported by a family member to a local hospital for an evaluation.

According to authorities, Walker then became combative, jumped out of the vehicle and tried to raise his fist at a paramedic in an attempt to strike him, according to deputies.

However, he was able to back away, at which time deputies calmed Walker down again.

Deputies say while they were trying to get Walker safely to the car, he attempted to fight a second time.

A deputy deployed a stun gun but it didn’t make . Another deputy on the scene stepped in and used a stun gun on Walker, sending him to the ground. Walker continuously got up several times after refusing to cooperate, according to authorities.

Deputies and emergency medical personnel were able to restrain Walker after several attempts, authorities say.

While Walker was being evaluated at the scene, he became unresponsive and was taken to Burke Health, where he was pronounced dead, according to authorities.

Authorities say the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Force Investigation Team was ed and responded to handle the investigation into the incident and review how the officers side the stun guns

Williams says te officers were wearing body cameras and that footage will be released at a later date.

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