Driver shot by police after SUV crashes into Cornelia storefront, GBI says

CORNELIA, born – An SUV that crashed through the front of a store in Cornelia on Sunday ended with an officer shooting the driver, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation says.

Christian Drake Shurtleff, 33, of Mount Airy, was behind the wheel of that SUV, which crashed along Irvin Street just before 5:50 p.m.

Cornelia Fire Department personnel and a Cornelia police officer responded to the scene to find the vehicle that had crashed through the storefront.

Shurtleff was uncooperative and combative when officers tried to approach him, according to the GBI report released Monday.

Shurtleff’s 7-year-old daughter, who was also in the vehicle, was safely removed without any injuries.

During the ensuing struggle, when Shurtleff began fighting with the officer, the officer shot him. He was taken to an area hospital where he was treated for his injuries.

The GBI has charged Shurtleff with obstructing a law enforcement officer, and more charges are expected to be filed.

The investigation into the vehicle crash is being handled by the Georgia State Patrol, while the GBI’s independent investigation into the shooting is ongoing. Upon completion, the case will be submitted to the Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.