At the request of the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, GBI agents are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Bartow County, GA. James Lee Rourks, 42, of Adairsville, GA, was shot and injured during the incident. No officers were injured in the incident.

Late Monday evening, September 2, 2024, Adairsville Police responded to an unknown incident at a home on Barnsley Village Drive in Adairsville, GA. A woman called 911 and abruptly hung up during the conversation. A man, later identified as Rourks, called 911 from the same number and told the dispatcher that everything was OK. Officers arrived at the home and Rourks’ wife informed officers that there was a domestic dispute and that Rourks had a gun. Rourks re-entered the home and refused to comply with officers’ commands. The Bartow County Sheriff’s Office was requested for assistance with a possible barricaded shooter. Officers entered the home and encountered Rourks. During the incident, an officer shot Rourks, injuring him.

Rourks was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Adairsville Police charged Rourks with aggravated assault by strangulation and interfering with a 911 call.

The GBI will conduct an independent investigation. Upon completion, the file will be forwarded to the Bartow County District Attorney’s Office for review.

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