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Canton, Cherokee County, Ga. September 7, 2006 - The Cherokee Sheriff’s Office, along with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office, have completed the investigation into the shooting death of David Purdy Sr.
On July 9, 2006 Purdy was shot to death by a Holly Springs Police Officer at the termination of a police pursuit along Interstate 575 that began in Marietta. Investigation revealed that Purdy, who was the driver of the 1984 Mercedes, refused to stop during the pursuit – driving into the grass median to avoid stop sticks deployed on two occasions and intentionally struck law enforcement vehicles. In addition, Purdy was involved in a collision with two Holly Springs Police patrol units that terminated the pursuit. Purdy then drove his vehicle first at a Cherokee Sheriff’s Deputy – striking the Sheriff’s Deputy’s patrol vehicle - then at a Holly Springs Police Officer – striking the officer’s patrol car – the patrol car then striking the police officer. The Holly Springs Police Officer fired a total of seven shots at Purdy to stop the assault – killing Purdy. Purdy’s vehicle then crossed the median – crossing the south bound lanes on Interstate 575 – striking a tree on the west side of the interstate. Investigation found that the shooting was justified.
