GBI Investigating Shootout, Standoff Between Cherokee Police, Men

BALL GROUND, GA — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is looking into a shootout and standoff on Sunday between Cherokee deputies and men from Alabama.

At 2 p.m., Cherokee 911 gave a lookout for a vehicle that was involved in several violent crimes in two counties in Alabama, according to Cherokee Sheriffs Office Captain Jay Baker. A Ball Ground Police officer saw the silver Ford Escape on I-575 and attempted to pull the vehicle over. The driver of the SUV refused to pull over and the officer followed the car which had two people inside, to the end of Leo Taylor Lane in Ball Ground.

The suspects drove behind LAT Sportswear and into the woods where they fled on foot before shooting at the officers, Baker said. No one was injured.

The Cherokee County Multi-Agency SWAT Team was called to the scene, and several law enforcement agencies arrived to assist, including a Georgia State Patrol helicopter that spotted the men and confirmed they were armed.

After a three-hour standoff during which the men fired several rounds of gun shots, one of the suspects was shot by a SWAT team member, and both suspects were taken into custody, Baker said.

Hunter Caleb Kirkland, 27, of Taylor, Alabama, was shot and taken to WellStar Kennestone Hospital. Jeffrey Leighton Danner Jr., 30, of Ariton, Alabama complained of a medical issue shortly after being arrested and was taken to Northside Hospital Cherokee where he is currently being treated, Baker said.

Danner has been charged with four counts of aggravated assault against a police officer, fleeing and attempting to elude police and simple battery against a police officer. He is being held without bond.

Kirkland was moved from Wellstar Kennestone Hospital to Grady Hospital where he remains in stable condition.

Both Danner Jr. and Kirkland face aggravated assault charges at a minimum in Georgia. The investigation is ongoing. Both subjects face additional charges in Alabama.

"As with all officer-involved shootings, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was notified and will be investigating the incident," Baker said. "Cherokee Sheriff's Office detectives are currently communicating with investigators in Alabama regarding charges in that state, including attempted murder."

The GBI and Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office are coordinating investigative efforts with Alabama authorities.

Upon completion of the investigation, the investigative file will be provided to the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit District Attorney for review.