Fundraiser, Candlelight Vigil To Honor Holly Springs Officer

HOLLY SPRINGS, GA — A candlelight vigil will be held Friday night in remembrance of a Holly Springs Police officer who was killed Thursday. Donations are also being accepted for his family.

Holly Springs Police Officer Joe Burson, 25, was killed after being dragged by a man's car. The suspect was shot and killed on Thursday, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said.

Preliminary information shows that officers were conducting a traffic stop for speeding just after 11 p.m. on Wednesday at the intersection of Harmony Lake Drive and Hickory Road.

At some point during the traffic stop, the driver of the vehicle, a man later identified as Ansy Dolce, 29, of Cherokee County, attempted to leave in his car. Dolce dragged Burson down Hickory Road until the vehicle crashed, the GBI said.

During the incident, Burson fired shots at Dolce. Dolce was shot and killed by an officer in the incident, the GBI said.

Other officers at the scene gave aid to both men. Dolce was taken to North Fulton Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Burson was transported to Kennestone Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Economic Development Director/Assistant City Clerk for Holly Springs Erin Honea said, "the love and support offered to the family of Officer Joe Burson and the Holly Springs Police Department today has been incredible. We are grateful to our neighbors, those in our backyard and those across the nation, that have reached out to offer their condolences and asked what they can do to fill any needs for the family or the police department."

The Friends of Holly Springs Police Foundation will be holding a Candlelight Vigil in memory of Officer Burson at 8 p.m. on Friday at Barrett Park, 120 Park Lane, in Holly Springs.

To make a financial contribution to the family of Burson, use the link shown on the Friends of Holly Springs Police Foundation webpage. Checks can also be mailed to PO Box 1066, Holly Springs, GA 30142 or, make a deposit to the Friends of Holly Springs Police Foundation at South State Bank located at 1925 Marietta Hwy., Canton, GA 30114.

The Foundation is also coordinating food deliveries for the family of Burson as well as Holly Springs police officers, Honea said.

"Again, the community support seen and felt during this very sad time has been comforting," Honea said. "To all of you - thank you."

Related: Holly Springs Officer Fatally Dragged, Suspect Killed: GBI