(Paulding County, GA) On July 5, 2016 at approximately 4:50 PM the Paulding County 911 Center received a call in reference to three people shot at 65 Pine Valley Drive. The caller advised that the subject was actively shooting. The first deputy arrived on scene at approximately 4:54 PM and began to assess the situation. Numerous deputies arrived and set up a perimeter. A deputy observed the subject with an AR-15 style rifle in the back yard of 55 Pine Valley Drive. Around 5:07 PM a deputy stated that he was “Taking Fire.” He also said that the rounds were travelling through the residence that he was using for cover. Due to the nature of the event, some residents were asked to evacuate and a wide perimeter was set in an attempt to keep nearby residents from receiving injuries from the shooter.
The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team was activated and The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office assisted by sending additional SWAT units and armored vehicles. Once the armored vehicle were on scene and prepared, units started retrieving the three victims from 65 Pine Valley Drive. Annetta “Ann” Adams, 47 years of age from Dallas, GA, was transported by ambulance with a single gun-shot wound to the abdomen. Denise Basnett, 48 years of age from Clarksville, TN, was transported by Life Flight to Grady Memorial Hospital with numerous gun-shot wounds. Jeffery “Jeff” Adams , 52 years old from Dallas, GA, was transported to a nearby Paulding County Fire Station and was later pronounced deceased.
Tear gas was deployed in an attempt determine the exact whereabouts of the shooter. After no contact was made, SWAT units then utilized an ICOR Robot to clear the inside and outside of the residence at 55 Pine Valley Drive. A subject was located in the rear of the residence. SWAT personnel then cleared the back yard and interior of 55 Pine Valley Drive. The shooter, William Arnett, 65 years of age from Powder Springs, GA, was found with an apparent wound. Mr. Arnett was pronounced deceased on scene. The GBI Crime Lab Division of Forensic Sciences provided initial confirmation that Arnett’s death was consistent with injuries sustained from a self-inflicted gun-shot. Once the area was cleared and it was safe to return, the roadways were opened and residents were allowed to return home.
Detectives determined that the Adams’ were in the process of moving and had returned to the residence to pick up some belongings, when the incident occurred. It appears that the attack was unprovoked. Ms. Basnett has been through hours of surgery and more surgeries are expected. Ms. Adams’ condition has improved and she is expected to be moved out of ICU.
We would like to thank the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia State Patrol for the assistance on scene. self-inflicted gun-shot