CUMMING — The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia Bureau of Investigation continue to work the scene of a shooting at the courthouse in downtown Cumming, though they say there is no further danger to the public.
The area around the courthouse square has been secured, according to the sheriff’s office, but there is no estimation as to when the roads may reopen.
“We want to make sure citizens know that the area has been secured at this time,” said Sheriff Duane Piper.
As a precaution, authorities are canvassing the area around the courthouse for any possible explosives.
***
CUMMING (Updated 11:43 a.m.) — Contrary to earlier news reports, the alleged gunman who reportedly shot and wounded a Forsyth County Sheriff’s deputy at the Forsyth County Courthouse this morning may not be dead.
Authorities would neither confirm nor deny that the suspect has been killed.
According to a text from Clerk of Court Greg Allen, who cited reports from his staff, the alleged gunman had a plea hearing scheduled next week before Superior Court Judge Jeffrey S. Bagley.
The courthouse, Forsyth County Administration Building, Cumming City Hall and surrounding structures have been evacuated.
Traffic is being rerouted around downtown Cumming as authorities secure the area.
Lenny Washington was driving through downtown when he saw the incident unfold.
Washington heard shots, looked up and saw what he described as a puff of orange smoke.
He yelled at a woman, who was walking toward the courthouse, to run.
According to Washington, at the same time the woman began to flee, a man whose face was covered began firing a gun.
Washington did not know what type of weapon the man had, but said he was wearing some type of heavy vest and gear.
Authorities have extended the evacuation zone farther from downtown.
According to a Forsyth County Sheriff’s deputy, they have not ruled out the possibility that there may be explosives in or near the courthouse.
At least one person, described as an older man, was taken to a hospital after he fell while leaving a building downtown.
The sheriff’s office said the shooting occurred about 9:57 a.m.
The agency and Georgia Bureau of Investigation continue to work the scene of a shooting, though they say there is no further danger to the public.
The area around the courthouse square has been secured, according to the sheriff’s office, but there is no estimation as to when the roads may reopen.
“We want to make sure citizens know that the area has been secured at this time,” said Sheriff Duane Piper.
As a precaution, authorities are canvassing the area around the courthouse for any possible explosives.
