William Earnest Brooks

Deadly force

William Earnest Brooks was allegedly riding an ATV outside of a home on Social Circle Fairplay Road, prompting a 911 call that sent deputies to the home. The caller said the homeowner expected someone to be there to do some yard work but not to ride an ATV. Deputies tried to talk with Brooks, but he allegedly ran away, and police chased him. Police said Brooks overpowered the deputy, causing the deputy to draw his weapon and fire one round, missing Brooks. Brooks then took the weapon and fled deeper into the woods. A Georgia State Patrol helicopter spotted Brooks near a lake shoreline. Multiple Walton County deputies and one Social Circle police officer shot and killed Brooks after he pointed the handgun in their direction.