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GLYNN COUNTY, Ga. () — A man was taken into custody early Saturday after allegedly firing at police officers during a welfare check.
According to the Glynn County Police Department (GCPD), patrol officers responded to Motel 6 at the 3000 block of Scarlett Street shortly after midnight to check on a reported victim of domestic violence.
During the welfare check, the suspect, identified as David Kevin Griffis, 58, allegedly fired multiple shots at officers using a handgun.
Three officers returned fire and Griffis retreated into his motel room, where he barricaded himself inside. No officers were injured in the exchange of gunfire.
Police called crisis negotiators, who attempted to convince Griffis to surrender. After negotiations were unsuccessful, the GCPD SWAT team deployed CS/OC gas into the room and took Griffis into custody without further incident.
Griffis was taken to a hospital for treatment related to gas inhalation. Officials said he did not suffer gunshot wounds.
GCPD requested the assistance of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Meanwhile, GCPD Criminal Investigation detectives are investigating the case related to the alleged aggravated assault of the officers. The GCPD Office of Professional Standards and Accountability will perform an investigation into GCPD policies related to officer-involved shootings.
Griffis was later charged with four counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm during the commission of certain 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.