Jerome Kirkland

Name:
Kirkland, Jerome Leonard

Date of Booking:
04/13/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER WHEN ENGAGED ON OFFICIAL DUTY

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 April 13 2026 at approximately 1945 hours, I responded to [100 BLOCK] Oakton Dr in reference to a 10/13 order needing transport to Georgia Regional Hospital for a psychiatric evaluation.

Upon arrival at the residence, Deputies observed cryptic messages written on cardboard in the window of the residence as well as the vehicle windows in the driveway. I attempted to open the glass storm door however it was locked. I knocked on the door and the 10/13 subjects girlfriend came to the door. She started off argumentative and when Deputies advised we were there for Mr. Jerome Kirkland she advised he would be at the door in a minute. Mr. Kirkland entered the doorway wearing nothing except a pair of boxer shorts, refusing to open the door or to exit the home. Mr. Kirkland was agitated, argumentative and aggressive. Mr. Kirkland immediately began yelling statements about how law enforcement killed his uncle. Prior to slamming the door Mr. Kirkland made a statement advising the next person to take another step would find out what he was about. He then slammed the inner main door.

Deputies then agreed to make entry into the home. Deputy Martin opened the glass storm door and I tried to open the door however it was locked. I then forced entry into the home by kicking open the inner main door. Once the main door was open, I began to take a step into the home. Before I could take a full step into the home, I saw Mr. Kirkland standing in the far corner of the living room holding a shot gun. Before I was able to warn other Deputies of the immediate danger and retreat Mr. Kirkland fired a shot. The shot impacted the doorframe and sent a large dust and debris cloud into the air.

As other units began arriving and commands for Mr. Kirkland were given to exit the home. After sometime and multiple agencies and units responding Mr. Kirkland exited the home. Deputies placed him in custody and he was placed in the rear seat of my vehicle. Once in my vehicle and the scene secured, I transported Mr. Kirkland to the Effingham County Jail. Once at the jail custody was transferred to the jail staff.

[End of Narrative]