Sheriff Victor Hill made a brief appearance at the Gwinnett County Jail on Wednesday after a warrant for his arrest was issued.
The Clayton County sheriff turned himself in Wednesday evening on misdemeanor reckless conduct stemming from the shooting of a woman at a Gwinnett County home over the weekend.
The Gwinnett County Police Department issued the following statement on Wednesday following Hill’s being booked into jail:
“At approximately 5:00 PM the Gwinnett County Police Department obtained a misdemeanor arrest warrant for reckless conduct against Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill. His attorney was contacted and made aware of the arrest warrant. Sheriff Victor Hill was afforded the opportunity to provide a statement about the incident but he declined to comment. At approximately 7:45 PM, Sheriff Victor Hill turned himself in at the Gwinnett County Detention Center. He was processed and released on bond. At this point, the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office will be responsible for the final outcome of the case.” — Corporal Deon Washington
Police said 43-year-old Gwenevere McCord was rushed to Gwinnett Medical Center on Sunday with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. She remains in critical condition.
The Gwinnett County Police said Sheriff Hill made the 911 call at 5:39 p.m. Sunday inside a model home at 2567 Britt Trail Drive in unincorporated Lawrenceville. Police say Hill and McCord were the only people inside the home when the shooting happened.
Gwinnett County District Attorney Danny Porter said that they did not arrest Hill, who was joined by his lawyer, at the scene because they were not sure what officers could do under Georgia law. Authorities asked Hill to give a statement, but Porter said he chose to assert his “constitutional rights.”
Porter called the shooting “accidental” in nature and did not warrant him being taken in for questioning at the time. Porter said Hill indicates in his 911 call that he was practicing police tactics when he accidentally shot McCord in the abdomen.
A copy of the 911 call was not available for review by FOX 5 News.
Records indicate that Hill was in jail for a total of 50 minutes on Wednesday. He was booked and then given a $2,950 bond according to records.
Sheriff Hill describes the 43-year-old woman as a person who is “dear” to him. Some have criticized the sheriff for not cooperating with the shooting investigation. Hill said in his statement on Tuesday that he is praying unceasingly for her recovery.
His full statement reads:
“As reported, on May 3, 2015, I was involved in a tragic and heartbreaking accident. Gwenevere McCord, who is very dear to me, was critically injured in this accident. Please understand that for the past 48 hours, I have been entirely focused on Gwenevere and her family. I will continue to pray unceasingly for her recovery. I ask you all to please pray for Gwenevere and her family throughout this most difficult time.” — Sheriff Victor Hill
The statement is first such made since the incident happened. Following Hill’s statement, FOX 5 spoke with McCord’s father. Ernest McCord says his daughter is good friends with Hill. He’s waiting for her to be able to explain what happened.
“Hopefully in the next few hours things will turn around and we can start seeing progress in reference to her being able to say something, but with all those tubes in her throat there is nothing she can do,” said McCord. “We’ll just have to wait.”
Brandon Jex is the son of shooting victim Gwenevere McCord. He said his family is having a tough time right now, but mom is showing signs of improvement.
“We are just going through a lot right now, and I am just thanking God that it is not as bad as it was,” said 22-year-old Jex.
McCord’s father told FOX 5 News his daughter has had 3 surgeries and is still not out of the woods yet.
“Just keep praying for us, we will get through it. Then she will get a chance to tell Dad and everybody else what took place….that’s what we are waiting for,” said Ernest McCord.
No word on Hill’s next court date.
By: Fox 5 Atlanta
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