PEACH COUNTY, Georgia — District Attorney Anita Howard has decided not to pursue criminal charges against a deputy with the Peach County Sheriff’s Office after he shot and killed a man during a traffic stop in 2023.
Caleb Hooten was shot and killed on Oct. 10, 2023 by Sgt. Hermes Rodriguez. A press release from the GBI says Hooten didn't stop when deputies tried to pull him over on State University Drive in Fort Valley.
That's when deputies chased him. The GBI says Hooten ran into the woods behind the Marvin Gardens apartment complex.
Deputies followed him into the woods where, they say, Hooten pulled out a gun and pointed it at Rodriguez and others in the area. That's when the GBI says Rodriguez shot and killed Hooten.
On Wednesday, Howard met with Hooten’s family to let them know that after the investigation by the GBI that she would not pursue any charges against the deputy.
“This decision was not made lightly, and I understand its profound impact on the Hooten family and our community,” Howard said in the release. “My heart goes out to Mr. Hooten's loved ones during this difficult time, and I ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”
Howard said she has met several times with family over the course of the investigation.
The investigation revealed that a total of 11 shots were fired and two hit Hooten in the back. The gun Hooten had was loaded. The video evidence shows that initially Rodriguez reached for his TASER and he ordered Hooten to drop his weapon.
When Hooten didn’t drop the weapon and appeared to turn towards the deputy, Rodriguez transitioned to his firearm. According to the release from Howard, Rodriguez acted lawfully to protect his safety, the safety of his fellow deputies and others.
"Our entire community is made profoundly less safe by these reckless actions which, in an instant, can place innocent lives in danger,” Howard said. “I am urging this behavior to end, before we experience any more loss and grief in our community.”
Full Statement
CONTINUING COVERAGE
RELATED: Peach Deputy on leave after fatal shooting of 20-year-old. Here's how the investigation is working