Joshua Martin

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Name:
Martin, Joshua Matthew

Date of Booking:
08/17/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
Reckless Conduct

Aggravated Assault-Gun

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.]

On Monday, August 17, 2026, at 0917 hours, I was dispatched to [1100 BLOCK] Sugar Valley Road, in reference to a dispute. The caller had reported that a fight had just taken place and a gun was shot at the ground.

Upon arrival, I met with [VICTIM #1]. [VICTIM #1] explained that he was driving south on Martin Road near its intersection with Martin Loop. [VICTIM #1] stated a male, later identified as Joshua Martin, had pulled out in front of him. [VICTIM #1] stated that Joshua did not pull out directly in front of him, however, he did not want to “slam on his brakes” so he proceeded around him in the roadway at the “dotted line”.

[VICTIM #1] stated Joshua “flicked [him] off” and [VICTIM #1] responded by doing the same back to Joshua. [VICTIM #1] drove away from Joshua and went to his friend’s residence nearby at [1100 BLOCK] Sugar Valley Road. Joshua followed behind [VICTIM #1] and pulled in behind him at this location. [VICTIM #1] stated Joshua exited his truck and stated “you don’t know who I am mother f*cker…I’ll knock your sh*t in”. [VICTIM #1] stated he replied to Joshua “do it mother fu*ker”. [VICTIM #1] stated Joshua “reared back on [him]”. When this occurred [VICTIM #1] admitted to hitting Joshua in his face.

Following this, [VICTIM #1] alleged that Joshua removed a firearm from his pocket while holding it toward the ground. [VICTIM #1] stated he began putting some distance between he and Joshua by walking backwards away from him with his hands in the air. [VICTIM #1] stated to Joshua “Don’t do this”, and Joshua fired one round in to the ground. [VICTIM #1] stated he wished to press charges.

I spoke with the first witness on scene, [WITNESS #1]. [WITNESS #1] stated he didn’t see what occurred directly, however, he was outdoors when it occurred. [WITNESS #1] stated he heard arguing followed by a gunshot.

I spoke with the homeowner, [REDACTED]. [REDACTED] allowed me to view his outdoor surveillance camera footage which captured the incident. In the video, I observed [VICTIM #1] and Joshua standing in close proximity to one another. Joshua began walking toward [VICTIM #1] and [VICTIM #1] had his hands balled up in fists near his chest. Joshua reached his right hand in to his right pocket and removed an item from it. Due to the quality of the video, I was unable to tell what Joshua removed at this time. [VICTIM #1] began walking backwards, away from Joshua with his hands raised in the air. Joshua continued walking toward [VICTIM #1], lessening the gap between them. A few seconds passed and a loud bang erupted, followed by a cloud of smoke forming at Joshua’s right hand.

I later made contact with Joshua at 26 River Dr. Cartersville, GA 30120. I read Joshua his Miranda Rights and he said that he understood them and agreed to speak with me. Joshua explained that he had observed [VICTIM #1] driving recklessly on Martin Road and admitted that he “shot [VICTIM #1] a bird” and that [VICTIM #1] had done the same to him. Joshua observed [VICTIM #1] turn in to the driveway at [1100 BLOCK] Sugar Valley Road, which also happens to be Joshua’s niece’s residence. Joshua stated he followed in behind [VICTIM #1] and asked [VICTIM #1] if he lived around here.

Joshua claimed that [VICTIM #1] smarted off to him and said that he went to speak with [WITNESS #1] about [VICTIM #1]’s reckless driving. Joshua stated he also spoke with his niece and her son and claims that [VICTIM #1] told him not to “walk up on [him]”. Joshua stated to [VICTIM #1] that he wasn’t “walking up on [him]”. Joshua stated that the two of them were a few feet apart from each other when a bee came near him. Joshua said that he instinctively jerked his arm away from the bee. Joshua stated when he made the jerking movement, [VICTIM #1] hit him across his chin.

Joshua stated at this point, he did take out his pistol and shot it on the ground and stated to [VICTIM #1] “you don’t know who you’re messing with”. Joshua claims that he was fearful that [VICTIM #1] was going to “come at [him] more”.

I did not see any physical injuries present to Joshua’s face, however, he did have a full beard which may have obstructed the view of any potential injuries. Joshua declined medical attention.

Based on the statements provided to me, partnered with the video evidence, I determined Joshua to be the predominate aggressor. I placed Joshua under arrest and he was transported to the Bartow County Jail where he was released to jail staff without incident. I secured warrants on Joshua for aggravated assault and reckless conduct.

Deputy Carrington took possession of Joshua’s firearm (a North American Arms Magnum .22 revolver) and a pocket knife which was in Joshua’s possession. I later retrieved both of these items from Deputy Carrington. The knife, firearm, and ammunition (4 rounds-3 live and 1 shell casing) were placed in to evidence.

[REDACTED] was provided with a Coreforce message link where he uploaded the video of this incident.

[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:

8/17/26

BOND SET — JOSHUA MATTHEW MARTIN RELEASED ON $6,000 BOND

What this means: A $6,000 bond was approved for Joshua Matthew Martin in Bartow Superior Court, per Judge Bryson, allowing him to be released from custody while his case moves forward. A security co-signer is listed on the bond document. Martin is required to appear in court as directed — failure to do so could result in a new arrest warrant being issued and the bond being forfeited.

8/20/26

ATTORNEY LANCE McCOY ENTERS APPEARANCE FOR JOSHUA MATTHEW MARTIN

What this means: Attorney Lance McCoy formally entered his appearance in Bartow Superior Court on August 20, 2026, meaning he has officially notified the court that he is representing Joshua Matthew Martin in case number SUW2026002089. From this point forward, court communications and filings related to Martin’s defense will go through McCoy.