Dezmon Willis

Name:
Willis, Dezmon

Date of Booking:
08/24/2025

Reason(s) For Booking:
Aggravated Assault

Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]

[NARRATIVE #1 on August 23, 2025]

On 08/23/2025 at 1831 hours, I (Sgt. Wolfe) responded to a suspicious activity call at [200 BLOCK] Graham Street, Apt [REDACTED], Winder, GA, to assist day shift units on a report that a male had shot at the caller’s cousin. Dispatch advised that the male who had shot the gun had left the scene in a blue two-door Honda Civic.

Upon my arrival, Code 3, I began searching the area for the vehicle and any victims. I then responded to the scene and met with Sgt. Evans and Ofc. Smallwood, who advised me that a male had fired 4 or 5 shots, according to neighbors. Sgt. Evans then advised me that they had located one spent shell casing in the roadway.

I attempted to utilize the Flock camera system to try to locate the vehicle, the blue Honda Civic, but was unable to. I advised any other officers who were available to attempt to locate the vehicle. Ofc. Maleski advised me that he was going to and advised me that it could possibly be a Malik Billings, as he is familiar with him, and the vehicle that he frequently drives was a blue Honda and has been seen in the area.

I was then advised by Ofc. Smallwood, the caller, [WITNESS #1], was inside the apartment. I then went and spoke with Ms. [WITNESS #1], who stated that she did not witness the shooting, but that she just heard the shots. Ms. [WITNESS #1] stated that her cousin, [VICTIM #1], and a male by the name of Dezmon were getting into it because of “some bi*ches”. Ms. [WITNESS #1] stated that she did not know where her cousin went after the shooting and did not see anything.

I asked what her cousin’s phone number was, and she claimed she didn’t know it. I asked what kind of vehicle her cousin drove, and she stated that she didn’t know the make, but it was a dark four-door vehicle. Ms. [WITNESS #1] could not provide any more information about Dezmon. Ms. [WITNESS #1] was less than cooperative in answering any questions or providing details.

Ofc. Smallwood then advised me that the neighbor across the street had seen the entire incident. I then went to speak with [WITNESS #2] and [WITNESS #3]. Mr. [WITNESS #2] stated that there was a black male without a shirt on, who was the one who was getting shot at, and that he was the cousin of Ms. [WITNESS #1]. Mr. [WITNESS #2] and Ms. [WITNESS #3] stated that the shooter was a black male wearing a white hoodie pulled up over his head. They stated the black male with the white hoodie had shot the gun, about 4 to 5 times. They stated that after the shooting, the male shooter got into the blue Honda Civic. They advised me that they knew who the driver of the vehicle was and whose owned the vehicle.

They advised me that the vehicle belonged to [REDACTED] and it was being driven by his grandson, Malik Billings. They also advised me that if the male doing the shooting wanted to kill that boy, he could of. Ofc. Maleski advised me that he had sent a picture of the blue Honda Civic that Malik Billings drives.

I showed a picture of the vehicle to both Mr. [WITNESS #2] and Ms. [WITNESS #3], and they both confirmed that it was the vehicle that was on scene at the time of the shooting and the same vehicle that the male shooter and Malik Billings drove away in. They stated that the male, who had been shot at, ran towards Capitol Ave, but then returned a short time later and got into a car and also left the scene.

Sgt. Evans advised me he had located one spent shell casing in the street in front of [200 BLOCK] Graham Street, and they were looking for more in the grass area near the sidewalk, as witnesses stated the male had shot into the grass area. I placed an evidence placard in front of the spent shell casing.

Lt. Page, Ofc. Dutcher and Ofc. Gibbs had arrived on scene, and they placed crime tape around the scene and started a crime log. Ofc. Gibbs and Lt. Page took pictures of the scene. I then contacted the on-call investigator, Det. Manthe and advised him of the incident and what information we had so far. At the same time, Ofc. Maleski later advised dispatch that he had the suspect vehicle heading toward MLK JR DR.

Ofc. Maleski later advised that he had the female driver detained. The vehicle was towed back to the police department garage, and the female was transported to the PD for questioning. Ms. [WITNESS #1]’s cousin, [VICTIM #1], who was on scene and had been involved in the incident, arrived at the PD.

See officers’ case supplemental’s for more information.

Lt. Page and I stayed at the scene until Capt. Cooper, CID commander, arrived to review the scene. We checked the grass area and attempted to dig out any bullets that had been fired, but were unable to. I then collected the spent 9mm shell casing that was located on the street. The crime log was then ended, and we broke down the crime scene.

On 08/23/25 at 2222 hours, Ofc. Melniciuc and I were dispatched to the Winder Police Department on a meet in person. The caller advised he was there with his son, Dezmon Willis, to turn himself in as he was involved in an altercation earlier.

Upon our arrival, code 1, I observed a black male standing in the parking lot with a group of people. I asked if he was Dezmon, and he stated yes. I asked if he had anything on him, and he stated no. I then placed him in handcuffs behind his back. They were double-locked and checked for proper spacing. Ofc. Melniciuc then took him to his patrol car. I spoke with Dezmon Willis’ father, who stated he was made aware that his son was involved in an incident and convinced his son to turn himself in.

Mr. Willis was taken inside the Winder Police Department and placed in an interview room. After the interview that was conducted by Det. Manthe, I assisted Ofc. Melniciuc in escorting him to the patrol car. See Ofc. Melniciuc’s case supplemental report for more information.

The spent shell casing that was recovered on scene was given property receipt #A-28199 and was placed into temporary evidence locker #009 at the Winder Police Department. A LERMS receipt was also completed.

[End of Narrative]

[NARRATIVE #2 on August 23, 2025]

On 08/23/2025 at approximately 0630 hours, I, Ofc. Dutcher #141 was dispatched to [200 BLOCK] Graham St, Winder GA. 30680 in reference to a suspicious activity call regarding possible shots fired. Due to not being on shift and several other officers on scene, I traveled Code 1 in my marked patrol vehicle #381.

Upon my arrival, I met with Sgt. Evans who explained that they had already interviewed several possible witnesses, but nobody had spoken to the resident at [200 BLOCK] Graham St, Apt [REDACTED], Winder GA. 30680. I then made contact with the resident, [WITNESS #4], who stated that she was standing outside facing her house with her two children and her 18-year-old nephew, [REDACTED], when she heard approximately 4 or 5 gunshots sound off behind her.

Ms. [WITNESS #4] then stated that she grabbed one of her children while [REDACTED] grabbed the other, and they began running up the street to avoid the gunshots. I asked her if she had seen who was shooting the gun, and she stated she wasn’t paying attention, just trying to get away from the situation, but she did see somebody in a white hoodie who appeared to be involved.

I then asked where the people involved had gone, and she stated that they got in cars and left the scene, but she was unable to provide any further details. I then collected her information and returned to the scene in an attempt to look for shell casings from the firearm. While doing so, I heard Ofc. Maleski inform Central Dispatch that he had made a traffic stop on a vehicle that matched the description of the vehicle that was provided earlier. I then proceeded to travel to Ofc. Maleski on E Athens and Martin Luther King Jr Dr to assist him in his traffic stop. After assisting with scene security on the traffic stop, I was asked to return to Graham St.

After returning to Graham St, I proceeded to put up Crime scene tape around the scene and the evidence that was located, as well as start a crime scene log to keep track of everybody who entered and exited the scene. Due to the volume of incoming calls for duty, I relinquished the duty of the Crime scene log to Lt. Page as I returned to service without incident approximately 1945 Hours.

Approximately 2045 hours, I was dispatched to 25 E Midland Ave, Winder, GA. 30680 to relieve another officer of duty due to it being the end of their shift. While at the PD, I was asked to transport a male who was in custody from the PD to the Barrow County Detention Center. I then took custody of Tyqwonzae Malik Billings, placing him in handcuffs, double-locking while checking for proper fitness. I thoroughly searched Tyqwonzae, ensuring he had no weapons, contraband, or means of escape, which yielded negative findings.

I then escorted Tyqwonzae to my marked patrol vehicle, where the backseat was also cleared of any weapons, contraband, or means of escape with negative findings. I placed Tyqwonzae in the rear passenger seat of the vehicle, securing his seatbelt for safety. I informed Central Dispatch that I had one male in custody and provided my starting mileage before proceeding to Barrow County Detention Center.

Upon arrival at BCDC, I relinquished custody of Tyqwonzae and his property to Barrow County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Officers. I then cleared the backseat of patrol vehicle #381 of any weapons, contraband, or means of escape with negative findings.

I returned to service with no further incident.

[End of Narrative]

[NARRATIVE #3 on August 23, 2025]

On August 23, 2025, I, Officer Gibbs, assisted Officer Dutcher in placing crime scene tape around the perimeter of the crime scene. I then signed the crime scene log and entered the crime scene tape to take photographs.

I then left the crime scene and relocated to the Police department to assist other Officers with a detained female. I frisked the female for weapons with negative results. I then escorted the female to the restroom. I removed the handcuffs from her wrists and stood by while she used the restroom.

Once she was finished, I placed handcuffs around her wrists, ensuring they were double-locked and checked for proper fit. I then walked her back to the A shift office, leaving her under the supervision of Sergeant Evans.

I then left with no further incident.

[End of Narrative]

[NARRATIVE #4 on August 23, 2025]

On August 23, 2025, at approximately 1824 hours, I, Ofc Melniciuc, was dispatched to [200 BLOCK] Graham St, Apt [REDACTED], Winder, GA 30680, in reference to a suspicious activity. The caller stated that a male shot a gun at someone, but it did not hit anyone. The caller then stated it had no other information about who and what the suspect looked like. The caller noted the suspect had left in a two-door blue Honda Civic. I traveled to the location code 3.

Upon arrival in the area of the scene, I began looking for the suspect vehicle but did not locate it. During this time, Ofc Maleski advised that he had the possible suspect and vehicle involved. He radioed stating the vehicle was a two-door blue Honda Civic, Ga Tag [REDACTED], and the suspect was possibly Malik Billings.

A short time later, Ofc Maleski advised that he was behind the suspect vehicle at Martin Luther King Jr Dr/E Athens St. I then traveled code 3, and a Felony stop was performed on the vehicle. Due to the circumstances of weapons involved and a shooting that occurred, I drew my service weapon, and Ofc Maleski and I began yelling clear verbal commands for the subject to exit the vehicle. A female exited the vehicle and was detained by Ofc Maleski. Ofc Maleski then placed the female in properly fitted handcuffs, double locking to ensure they didn’t tighten further. Ofc Maleski then placed the female in the back of his marked patrol vehicle.

During this time, a red vehicle stopped behind our location, and a male, later identified as [WITNESS #5], came out and began yelling. Ofc Smallwood then detained [WITNESS #5]. Ofc Smallwood placed [WITNESS #5] in properly fitted handcuffs, double locking to ensure they didn’t tighten further. Ofc Smallwood then searched [WITNESS #5] for any weapons. None were discovered. Ofc [SMALLWOOD] then placed [WITNESS #5] in the back of my marked patrol vehicle, but [WITNESS #5] was later released due to no involvement in the incident that occurred.

A short time later, Patrick’s Towing was called to pick up the suspect vehicle. While waiting for the tow wrecker to arrive, Malik Billings walked up to our location. Due to Malik possibly being involved in the shooting, I detained Malik. I put Malik in properly fitted handcuffs, double-locking them to ensure they didn’t tighten further. I then asked Malik if I could search his pockets, and he agreed. Nothing was found at the time of the search. I then secured Malik in the back seat of my marked patrol vehicle. I later transported Malik to 25 E Midland Ave, Winder, Ga 30680 (Winder Police Department) to be interviewed by Det. Manthe.

On August 23, 2025, at approximately 2222 hours, I, Ofc Melniciuc, was dispatched to 25 E Midland Ave, Winder, GA 30680, (Winder Police Department) in reference to a Meet in person. The caller stated he wanted to turn in his son, Dezmon Willis. I traveled to the location code 1.

Upon arrival, Sgt Wolfe and I made contact with Dezmon Willis. Sgt Wolfe then detained Dezmon. Sgt Wolfe placed Dezmon in properly fitted handcuffs, double-locking to ensure they didn’t tighten further. I then searched Dezmon for any weapons. None were discovered. I then placed Dezmon in the back of my marked patrol vehicle.

Det Manthe then advised to place Dezmon in the Winder Police Department for questioning. I then escorted Dezmon to the interview room and detained him.

After questioning, Det Manthe advised I placed Dezmon in custody for Aggravated Assault. I put Dezmon in properly fitted handcuffs, double-locking them to ensure they didn’t tighten further. I then conducted a search incident to arrest and check for any weapons, illegal contraband, or means of escape. Nothing was found at the time of the search. I then secured Dezmon in the back seat of my marked patrol vehicle.

I then drove my marked patrol vehicle, code 1, to Barrow County Jail, where Dezmon was turned over to BCDC Staff.

The back seat of my patrol vehicle was searched before and after Dezmon’s transport, but nothing was discovered.

[End of Narrative]

[NARRATIVE #5 on August 23, 2025]

On 08/23/2025 at approximately 18:23, I, A. Maleski W150, responded code 3 to [200 BLOCK] Graham Street Apartment [REDACTED] Winder, Georgia 30680, regarding a suspicious activity. The caller stated a male shot at someone. The caller stated the suspect got into a 2-door blue Honda. The caller could not provide the direction of travel.

I arrived and began looking for the suspect vehicle, but did not locate it. Being familiar with the area where this incident occurred. I knew based on my knowledge that a 2-door Honda Civic (Georgia Tag [REDACTED]) visited this area often, driven by Billings, Tyqwonzae. I passed the information to the Officer at the scene of the car that’s possible will be a suspect. I logged into Flock camera, took a picture of the vehicle, and sent it to the Sgt. Wolfe to see if the witness could confirm the vehicle.

I traveled to the scene and made contact with Sgt. Wolfe. As I was approaching Sgt. Wolfe, I observed him talking to a male. I heard the male say the blue Honda is driven by Billings. I advised Sgt. Wolfe, I had a picture of the vehicle. Sgt. Wolfe provided the picture to the witness, who advised us that the vehicle is the one that left the area after the shooting. At this point of investigation, it was determined that the suspect vehicle is going to be a blue Honda Civic (Georgia Tag [REDACTED]). I advised Barrow County Dispatch to create a Be on the Lookout (BOLO) regarding the vehicle, possibly occupied by the suspect.

I checked the Flock camera, which indicated a blue Honda Civic (Georgia Tag [REDACTED]) was hit on camera #7 at Hwy 11 and Marburg Creek North, going northbound towards Winder City Limits. I traveled to the area.

I observed a blue Honda Civic (Ga Tag [REDACTED]) taking a left turn from East May Street, Winder, Georgia 30680. I got behind the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop using my blue lights and sirens. The driver yielded to my emergency equipment and stopped at East Athens Street, Winder, Georgia 30680, due to the circumstances of the weapons involved in the shooting that occurred. A felony stop was performed on the vehicle, and verbal commands were given to the driver. The driver complied with commands and was detained.

I placed the female into handcuffs behind her back. The female’s handcuffs were checked for proper fit and double-locked. The driver was identified as [WITNESS #6]. [WITNESS #6] was placed in the back of my marked patrol vehicle. I explained to [WITNESS #6] that the vehicle that she was driving was involved in a shooting.

While I was dealing with the [WITNESS #6] a red vehicle stopped behind my marked patrol vehicle location, and a male, later identified as [WITNESS #5], came out and began yelling. Ofc Smallwood advised me that the male matched the description of the suspect. Officer Smallwood then detained [WITNESS #5]. Officer Smallwood placed [WITNESS #5] in the back of his marked patrol vehicle.

I requested the next list towing services to be en route to retrieve the vehicle as evidence. Patrick Towing retrieved the vehicle from the scene and dropped it off at the Winder Police Department.

While the tow truck was on scene, a black male arrived at the scene and advised me he was the driver, and the shooter jumped off from his vehicle. Officer Smallwood detained the subject, who later identified himself as Billings, Tyqwonzae. The subject was transported to the Winder Police Department for an interview.

I transported [WITNESS #6] to Winder Police Department to be interviewed by the Winder Police Department investigation unit.

Upon my arrival at the Winder Police Department, I observed a black male wearing black shorts and a white T-shirt walking towards me. I heard the male say I was a shooter. At this point, I drew my Winder Police Department-issued Glock and pointed it in the direction of the male. I gave the male verbal commands to place his hands behind his back. The male complied with my commands. Officer Smallwood detained the subject and escorted him to the Winder Police Department to be interviewed.

The suspects were turned over to Detective Manthe. The scene was turned over to Manthe.

[End of Narrative]

[NARRATIVE #6 on August 23, 2025]

On 8/23/2025 at approximately 1823 hours, I was dispatched to [200 BLOCK] Grahm St. Winder, GA Apt. [REDACTED] in reference to suspicious activity. Dispatch advised that a male had shot a gun at someone and left in a blue in color Honda Civic. I responded CODE 3 to this location in my marked patrol vehicle #424.

Upon arrival, I observed multiple people outside of their apartments. I walked up to the caller’s apartment who was later identified as [WITNESS #1] and asked her what happened. [WITNESS #1] stated that she doesn’t really know what happened because she was inside the apartment. [WITNESS #1] stated that she heard gunshots and then came outside and everyone was already gone.

Sgt. Evans and I began to question other people that were standing outside to see if they saw or heard anything.

I spoke with [WITNESS #2] at his residence and asked him if he saw anything. [WITNESS #2] stated that he saw two black males and that one of them was chasing the other with a gun shooting at him. [WITNESS #2] stated that one of the black males took off running between the apartments and the shooter got into a blue car and took off. [WITNESS #2] stated that the girl across the street knows who they are because they were at her residence. [WITNESS #2] was talking about [WITNESS #1].

I informed Sgt. Evans of what I was told, and I began to look for shell casings in the vicinity of where the shooter was said to be. A shell casing was found in the roadway where the suspect vehicle was parked, and an evidence marker was placed beside it.

Ofc. Maleski advised dispatch that he was behind the suspect vehicle at E Athens St. and Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. I traveled CODE 3 to his location and Ofc. Maleski already had the female driver out of the vehicle and detained. Another vehicle pulled up at the traffic stop and began to get out. The driver was detained due to the description and the name he provided was similar to the name that was given of the shooter. This male was later released due to not being involved in the incident.

A few moments later, another individual approached the traffic stop with his hands in the air and stated that he was the driver of the blue Honda Civic while the shooter was shooting. The male was placed in handcuffs and detained as well.

The suspect vehicle was towed by next list to the Winder Police Department for evidentiary purposes. Suspects were taken to the Winder Police Department for questioning.

Once at the police department, another individual approached us stating he was involved in the shooting. The male was detained and taken into the police department for questioning. All suspects went into separate interview rooms and awaited the arrival of CID.

Detective Manthe arrived at the police department and began to question the suspects. At this time the investigation was turned over to Detective Manthe.

[End of Narrative]

[NARRATIVE #7 on August 24, 2025]

On August 24, 2025, at approximately 0043 hours, I, Ofc Melniciuc, was dispatched to [200 BLOCK] Richter Dr, Bethlehem, GA 30620, in reference to a meet in person. The caller stated she had information regarding an incident 202500036636.

I then called the caller via telephone, later identified as [WITNESS #7]. I asked [WITNESS #7] what information she had. [WITNESS #7] began to explain that Dezmon Willis had come to her house between 6:30 and 7 pm and was in a panic. She stated that Dezmon then went inside the house, took his clothes off in her bedroom, and began talking on the phone. [WITNESS #7] stated she overheard the conversation in which Dezmon mentioned an incident at two separate locations, and that he was being bullied and that someone had also confronted him.

[WITNESS #7] then stated she heard Dezmon say he had possibly shot someone. [WITNESS #7] later stated Dezmon had told her he had thrown the handgun out and needed a ride to Athens, which she gave him, but she doesn’t know what happened after that. [WITNESS #7] stated she was unsure of what to do and wanted to talk to an officer.

After speaking to [WITNESS #7], I traveled to the location above code 1.

Upon arrival, I went inside the residence and collected the three items Dezmon had left behind. Items were a white hoodie, camouflage pants, and white and green Jordans. I collected all items.

[End of Narrative]