By BECKY CRISSMAN

becky.crissman@cordeledispatch.com

 

CORDELE — A trooper who accidentally discharged his weapon following a high- speed chase Thursday in Crisp County has been identified.

According to reports from the Public Information Office of the Georgia Department of Public Safety Sgt. Jon Posey of Georgia State Patrol Post 30 was placed on administrative leave with pay for five days following the incident.

Thursday afternoon, troopers with the GSP, along with the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, assisted Ashburn Police officers and Turner County deputies with the chase.

The fleeing vehicle, an Acura, driven by 29-year old Danielle Ockstadt, had been reported stolen when Ashburn Police initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle. Ockstadt led police and deputies on a high speed and a passenger in the Acura identified as Joaquim Dinon Gerry, fired shots from the car at officers in pursuit. At some point, Gerry shot himself, with a stolen pistol, and died as a result. Ockstadt stopped the Acura around Exit 99. Where Gerry was discovered deceased in the vehicle. As Ockstadt was being taken into custody Sgt. Posey, who was involved in the chase exited his cruiser and somehow his shotgun accidentally discharged, firing pellets. Ockstadt , Turner County Deputy Scotty Ireland and Ashburn Police Officer Ferron Yi were struck in the legs. The three were transported to Crisp Regional Hospital by EMS and were treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating the shooting