Walker County, GA (January 1, 2018) – On January 1, 2018, the Walker County Sheriff’s Office requested the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) to investigate an officer involved shooting that resulted in the death of Mark Steven Parkinson, age 65.

Preliminary information from Walker County authorities indicates that on January 1, 2018, at approximately 3:15 AM, Walker County deputies were dispatched to 147 Meadowview Lane, Rossville, GA for a welfare check after a 911 call was made.  In the call, information was provided that stated a female at the residence was threatening to kill herself and her children.  Once on scene, Deputy John Chandler observed Parkinson within the residence with a weapon.  Deputies announced multiple times that they were from the Walker County Sheriff’s Office.  Parkinson pointed the weapon at Deputy Chandler.  Subsequently, Deputy Chandler fired multiple shots at Parkinson, striking him. 

No officers were injured during this incident.  Parkinson will be transported to the GBI Crime Lab for an autopsy.

The GBI will continue its independent investigation.  Once completed, the case will be turned over to the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.

Contact Information:

Greg Ramey - Special Agent in Charge - 706/624-1424