GBI Investigates Officer Involved Shooting in Cherokee County

(Holly Springs, GA) - On Thursday, June 17, 2021, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was requested by the Holly Springs Police Department to investigate an officer involved shooting that occurred the night before.

Preliminary information indicates that Holly Springs Police officers were conducting a traffic stop for speeding just after 11 p.m. on June 16 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 escape in his car.  Dolce dragged Holly Springs Police Officer Joe Burson, age 25, down Hickory Road until the vehicle crashed.  During the incident, Burson fired shots at Dolce.

Other officers on scene rendered aid to both Officer Burson and Dolce.

Dolce was taken to North Fulton Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Officer Burson was transported to Kennestone Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The GBI will continue its independent investigation. Once completed, it will be turned over to the Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office for review.