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Name:
Gilliard, Swahili Rodriquez Qualance
Date of Booking:
07/07/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
Aggravated Battery
Battery
Battery- Family Violence (1st offense) MISD
Disorderly Conduct
Criminal Trespass (Damage of $500 or less)
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 July 07, 2026]
On 7/7/2026 at approximately 1350 hours, I, Officer A. Howe (#W157), and Officer A. Maleski (#W150), were dispatched to 25 South Broad St, Winder, GA 30680 (Ruby Tuesday’s) in reference to a dispute. Barrow County Dispatch advised us that there were 2 males and a female actively fighting; therefore, Officer Maleski and I traveled code 3 (lights and sirens) in marked patrol vehicle #423. Sgt. Evans, Ofc. Wolf, and Ofc. Tello also arrived on scene due to the nature of the call.
Officer Maleski and I arrived on scene to find bystanders pointing inside the restaurant towards the south side of the restaurant. Officer Maleski and I observed a black male covered in blood standing over another black male on the ground. A black female was kneeling next to the male on the ground. There were multiple plates, glasses, and remnants of food on the ground where the individuals were standing. We immediately went to separate the parties, as they were still yelling at each other. I approached the black male who was standing and witnessed him having a [REDACTED BY AGENCY] with an estimated [REDACTED BY AGENCY]. The [REDACTED BY AGENCY]. I advised Barrow County Dispatch to have EMS en route Code 3 (lights and sirens) due to the severity of the injury.
The black male standing identified himself as [REDACTED BY AGENCY] (DOB: [REDACTED BY AGENCY]) and stated they had been in a physical altercation. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] stated that they had just arrived at the restaurant and told the other black male (later identified as Swahili Rodriquez Qualance Gilliard (DОВ: [REDACTED BY AGENCY]/96) to be respectful and take his elbows off the table. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] stated that Gilliard then became irate, by throwing a glass at him and yelling. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] then stated that the situation escalated and became physical, with them fighting on the ground next to the table. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] stated that while they were on the ground, Gilliard struck his fiancée, [REDACTED BY AGENCY] (DOB:[REDACTED BY AGENCY]). While on the ground, [REDACTED BY AGENCY] stated Gilliard bit his head, causing the large laceration on his head that was bleeding profusely. Pictures were taken of [REDACTED BY AGENCY] and his injuries and will be attached to this report. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] was then transported to [REDACTED BY AGENCY] by EMS for his injuries.
I then spoke with [REDACTED BY AGENCY], who stated that a physical altercation had broken out between [REDACTED BY AGENCY] and Gilliard after Gilliard threw a glass. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] stated she was Gilliard’s mother. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] confirmed that the laceration on [REDACTED BY AGENCY] head was from Gilliard biting his scalp. I asked [REDACTED BY AGENCY] if she had sustained any injuries during this incident, and she showed me a large bruise on her left forearm. I asked her where the bruise had come from, to which she stated it was from Gilliard during the altercation on the floor. I observed what looked like a small laceration on her forearm as well. Pictures were taken of [REDACTED BY AGENCY] and will be attached to this report. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] filled out a witness statement form, which will be attached to this report. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] was advised of victim services and given a copy of local resources. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] was advised to provide this information to [REDACTED BY AGENCY] as well, due to him already being transported.
I then spoke with Gilliard, who was now sitting in a chair within the restaurant. Prior to asking Gilliard any questions, I advised him of his Miranda rights. Gilliard refused to answer any questions regarding the incident. Gilliard was placed under arrest and put into handcuffs that were checked for proper fit and double locked. Before placing Gilliard into my patrol vehicle, I searched him incident to arrest for weapons, contraband, and means of escape, which yielded negative findings. I then placed Gilliard into the back of my patrol vehicle and properly secured him with a seatbelt. Gilliard was then transported to the Barrow County Detention Center, where he was medically denied due to being in a physical altercation and having a bump on the back of his head.
Gilliard was then transported to [REDACTED BY AGENCY] to be medically cleared. Gilliard was medically cleared and returned to the Barrow County Detention Center. Gilliard was released into the custody of Barrow County deputies without incident. Following the transport of Gilliard, I checked my back seat for weapons, contraband, and means of escape, which yielded negative findings
Gilliard is being placed under arrest for Aggravated Battery, Battery, Battery- Family Violence Act, Disorderly Conduct, and Criminal Trespass Less than $500.
WARRANT NUMBER 2026-2163FW: Aggravated Battery – Swahili Gilliard, the Defendant, maliciously caused bodily harm to [REDACTED BY AGENCY] by seriously disfiguring his body or a member thereof; to-wit: by biting [REDACTED BY AGENCY] head, and causing a [REDACTED BY AGENCY] estimated to be. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] The [REDACTED BY AGENCY].
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WARRANT NUMBER 2026-2164MW: Battery – Swahili Gilliard, the defendant, intentionally caused substantial visible physical harm to [REDACTED BY AGENCY]. The defendant caused visible physical harm to [REDACTED BY AGENCY] by throwing a glass at him and causing a physical altercation, which caused bruising and lacerations to his face and arms, along with a deep laceration to his skull from a bite.
WARRANT NUMBER 2026-2165MW: Battery Family Violence Act – Swahili Gilliard, the defendant, intentionally caused substantial visible physical harm to [REDACTED BY AGENCY], his mother. The defendant caused visible physical harm to [REDACTED BY AGENCY] by striking her during a physical altercation, which caused bruising and a laceration to her left arm.
WARRANT NUMBER 2026-2166MW: Disorderly Conduct – Swahili Gilliard, the defendant, acted in a violent and tumultuous manner toward [REDACTED BY AGENCY], whereby the said victim was placed in reasonable fear of the safety of his life, limb, or health. Gilliard threw a glass at [REDACTED BY AGENCY] and started a physical altercation, placing him in fear of his safety. Gilliard caused a physical altercation in a public place, which was seen by multiple bystanders and staff of the restaurant.
WARRANT NUMBER 2026-2167MW: Criminal Trespass Less Than $500 – Swahili Gilliard, the defendant, intentionally damaged carpet, glasses, and other property of Ruby Tuesday, without said owner’s consent, by damaging the property in a physical altercation, with said damage being less than $ 500.00. Staff of Ruby Tuesday stated that damages were to plates, glasses, carpet, and food of the business, with an initial estimate of damages at $150.00.
All photographic and testimonial evidence will be attached to this report. Witness statement forms were completed by witnesses [WITNESS #1] (DOB: [REDACTED BY AGENCY] /58) and [WITNESS #2] (DOB: [REDACTED BY AGENCY]/94), which will be attached to this report.
[End of Narrative]
[NARRATIVE #2 on July 07, 2026]
On 07/07/2026 at approximately 1350 hours, Ofc. Maleski #150 and Ofc. Howe #157 were dispatched to 25 S Broad St Winder, GA 30680 in reference to a domestic dispute. Dispatch had advised that two subjects were actively fighting and bleeding. I responded to the call CODE 3 to assist Ofc. Maleski and Ofc. Howe.
When we arrived on scene, I met and gathered with a handful of witnesses. The first witness I spoke with was [WITNESS #1], manager of Ruby Tuesday. Stated the two male subjects came in and “looked weird”, staring at people through the window before they entered the building. He stated that the two subjects then came in and sat down. Mr. [WITNESS #1] then explained that there was a sudden uproar and that this lady came out of nowhere, saying “that’s my son” and trying to break the parties up. He stated that a table was then flipped over and that the two subjects were rolling around on broken glass and bleeding.
I then spoke with [WITNESS #2], a customer and witness. Ms. [WITNESS #2] explained that she was going to get another drink at the soda fountain and heard arguing. As she got closer to the fountain, she saw a subject wearing a black shirt throw a glass cup at a subject who was wearing an arm slink, which she believed had struck him on his head. She then stated that both subjects got up and started fighting, eventually making their way to the ground. Ms. [WITNESS #2] then stated that the “mom” approached them, trying to break the fight up. Ms. [WITNESS #2] then stated that the mom yelled, “call 911”.
I then spoke with [WITNESS #3], an employee at Ruby Tuesday and caller. Ms. [WITNESS #3] explained that she had served each male subject at the table a drink and explained that the subject wearing the black shirt “downed” his drink, while the other subject barely touched his. She did not see anything physical occur but heard subjects rustling around and then the mother calling for someone to call the police.
Finally, I spoke with [WITNESS #4], an employee at Ruby Tuesday. She stated that she was at the soda fountain making some drinks when she heard glass shatter, which she initially gave no thought since people drop things often. She then heard the subjects stand up and saw the subject wearing the sling put the other subject in a chokehold, trying to get him down to the ground. Ms. [WITNESS #4] then heard a woman call out for someone to call the police.
A written statement for Ms. [WITNESS #2] and Mr. [WITNESS #1] was gathered and have been attached to the case report.
[End of Narrative]
All information is sourced directly from the official, public court database. Case history is organized and curated by The Georgia Gazette staff. The “What this means:” explanations are written by AI and reviewed by our staff before publishing.
Court records are subject to change at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors or omissions. Nothing here is legal advice. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Case History:
8/4/26
DEFENSE FILES MOTION FOR COMPETENCY EVALUATION
What this means: Defense attorney Mary Peppers filed a formal motion in the Superior Court of Barrow County asking the court to order a mental competency evaluation for Swahili Rodriquezqualance Gilliard. The motion, filed under O.C.G.A. §§ 17-7-130 and 17-7-130.1 in case number 26PI426, states that defense counsel has reason to believe Gilliard may currently lack the ability to understand the nature of the proceedings, comprehend the situation, or assist in preparing a defense. The motion requests that the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), or another qualified forensic examiner, conduct the evaluation. A competency evaluation is a legal process used to determine whether a defendant is mentally fit to stand trial — it is separate from questions of guilt or innocence.
8/5/26
GRAND JURY RETURNS INDICTMENT — 5 COUNTS FILED AGAINST SWAHILI RODRIQUEZQUALANCE GILLIARD
What this means: A Barrow County grand jury formally charged Swahili Rodriquezqualance Gilliard with five counts during the August Term 2026 of the Superior Court of Barrow County. The case is numbered 26-CR-327-C. All five counts relate to an incident alleged to have occurred on or about July 7, 2026. Here is what each count accuses Gilliard of:
Count 1 — Aggravated Battery: Gilliard is accused of maliciously causing bodily harm to a victim by seriously disfiguring that person’s head, in violation of O.C.G.A. 16-5-24. Aggravated battery is a felony charge involving serious physical harm to another person.
Count 2 — Battery: Gilliard is accused of intentionally causing visible bodily harm — specifically lacerations to the face and arms — to a victim by throwing a glass at that person, in violation of O.C.G.A. 16-5-23.1.
Count 3 — Battery, Family Violence: Gilliard is accused of intentionally causing visible bodily harm — specifically a laceration to the left arm — to a family member, in violation of O.C.G.A. 16-5-23.1(f)(2). This charge is classified as a family violence offense.
Count 4 — Disorderly Conduct: Gilliard is accused of acting in a tumultuous manner toward a victim, placing that person in reasonable fear for their safety by throwing dishes at them, in violation of O.C.G.A. 16-11-39.
Count 5 — Criminal Trespass: Gilliard is accused of intentionally damaging carpet and glasses — property belonging to Ruby Tuesday restaurant — without consent, by throwing dishes and glasses inside the restaurant. The alleged damage is less than $500.00, in violation of O.C.G.A. 16-7-21(a).
An indictment means a grand jury reviewed the evidence and found enough to formally charge Gilliard. It is not a finding of guilt. Gilliard is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
8/13/26
JUDGE ORDERS COMPETENCY EVALUATION FOR SWAHILI RODRIQUEZQUALANCE GILLIARD
What this means: Following a hearing, Judge Andy Crawford of the Superior Court of Barrow County, Piedmont Circuit, signed an order requiring the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) to conduct a formal mental competency evaluation of Swahili Rodriquezqualance Gilliard. The order was issued in case numbers 26PI426 and 26-CR-327-C, and is governed by O.C.G.A. 17-7-129. The court found that defense counsel had shown sufficient reason to question whether Gilliard is currently competent to stand trial. The DBHDD is required to complete the evaluation and submit its findings to the court. Until the competency question is resolved, the case will not proceed to trial.