Three Richmond County Deputies Arrested For Alleged Assault on a Suspect

Three Richmond County deputies have been charged in connection with the alleged attack on a suspect accused of shooting a deputy in the face last month.

Deputy Michael Cole was reportedly shot by Vernon Cratic as deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 2200 block of Bungalow Road November 9.

Cole is still undergoing treatment and will require more reconstructive surgery.

In the meantime, Cratic reportedly told the GBI that he was struck in the face and abdomen and slammed against an exterior wall of the sheriff's office while handcuffed...as deputies Quincy Cannon, Andrew Acosta and Robert Wilson were bringing him into the Richmond County Jail.  An investigation confirmed Cratic's allegations and the deputies have been charged with Battery and Violation of Oath of Office.

The GBI's investigation is continuing.  The case will be turned over to the District Attorney's office.