July Enforcement Staff Members of the Month
- By Robin Brown
- Posted Saturday, August 24, 2024
On July 15, 2024, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call in which a shooting had just occurred. Deputy M. Shelton, who was on another call nearby, arrived at the scene within a minute. He discovered a male with a gunshot wound to the face/eye and realized the victim had stopped breathing. Acting quickly, Deputy Shelton moved the victim to the floor and initiated CPR until the fire department arrived to take over life-saving efforts. Afterward, Deputy Shelton secured the scene and conducted field interviews to assist in the ongoing investigation. During this time, Deputy B. Gatewood arrived with his trainee, Deputy S. Saikaly. Despite this being Deputy Saikaly's first experience with an incident of this nature, Deputy Gatewood efficiently guided him through his responsibilities while also contributing to the investigative workload. Deputy Gatewood secured the scene, instructed his trainee to begin a crime scene log, and taped off the area with careful consideration of the scene's appropriate radius.
While securing the perimeter, Deputy Gatewood discovered the offender hiding behind the residence. He ordered the offender to the ground, though the individual remained in an enclosed fenced area, posing a potential risk as the murder weapon had not yet been located. Demonstrating incredible initiative, Deputy Shelton jumped the fence and detained the offender without incident. The offender later gave a full confession and was charged with murder, as the victim was unfortunately pronounced deceased.
Both Deputy Shelton and Deputy Gatewood balanced numerous responsibilities during a major incident, and their actions undoubtedly went above and beyond the expectations of a patrol Deputy. Their dedication to the citizens of Forsyth County, thoroughness in the investigation, and their successful apprehension of a murderer is outstanding.
