Deputies Fire Shots During Traffic Stop, Man Arrested in Forsyth
Law enforcement fired rounds during a traffic stop late December first in north Forsyth County, leading to the arrest of a 34 year old Cumming man and the seizure of suspected methamphetamine and cash. The incident raises questions about use of force procedures, drug distribution in the county, and the independent investigation that will determine accountability.
A traffic stop near Jot Em Down and Gib Evans roads just west of Ga. 400 ended with officers firing their weapons and a suspect taken into custody late on December first. Deputies stopped 34 year old Vanus Nichols of Cumming at about 10 p.m., after he was identified by the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office as a suspected drug dealer under investigation, officials said.
During a roadside encounter, deputies and a Georgia Probation officer fired at Nichols after authorities say he attempted to run over three deputies with his vehicle. One deputy was nearly struck and returned fire, according to agency spokesman Epifanio Rodriguez. Rodriguez said investigators found no evidence Nichols fired at officers. Nichols was not wounded and was taken into custody at the scene.
Nichols has been charged with aggravated assault on an officer and possession of methamphetamine. Investigators say the quantity of suspected methamphetamine found in the vehicle was sufficient to warrant an intent to distribute charge, and officers seized about seven thousand two hundred dollars in cash. He is being held without bond at the Forsyth County Jail.
Two sheriff’s deputies and a Georgia Probation officer were involved in discharging firearms during the stop. As is standard after an officer involved shooting, the deputies have been placed on paid administrative leave while the Georgia Bureau of Investigation conducts an independent inquiry into the incident. Maj. Rick Doyle of the sheriff’s office confirmed Nichols had been under surveillance prior to the stop. Rodriguez said, "We shoot to stop a threat."
The episode has local policy implications for Forsyth County. Use of force protocols, coordination between county law enforcement and state investigators, and transparency about officer involved incidents will be central to community review. The GBI investigation will produce findings that determine whether departmental procedures were followed and whether criminal charges or administrative actions against officers are warranted.
For residents the immediate concerns include public safety near major corridors, the presence of drug distribution locally, and the county response to officer involved shootings. The sequence of events and the pending GBI report will shape oversight and public trust in local policing, and county officials should provide timely public information as the investigation proceeds.
