William Estus

Name:
Estus, William Robby

Date of Booking:
07/04/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
Agg 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 July 01, 2026]

On 07-01-26 at approximately 0100 hours I, Sergeant Hunt was alerted by Officer Brock Campbell who was working at the Atrium Health Floyd County – Chattooga center of an assault that occurred in the city of Lafayette. I arrived at the Emergency center working in an off duty capacity and informed of the details. Listed complainant [VICTIM #1] and Listed other [WITNESS #1] whom both I am familiar with wanted to speak with me about the incident.

Mr. [VICTIM #1] advised at approximately 2300 hours on 06-30-2026 he was looking to speak with his significant other, listed other [REDACTED] as they were having relationship issues. Mr. [VICTIM #1] went to [600 BLOCK] West Main Street, listed other [REDACTED] residence as Mrs. [REDACTED] was suspected to have been staying there. Mr. [VICTIM #1] advised he was told they were unsure if she was there and he went inside to check and look for her. Mr. [VICTIM #1] advised he walked out the back door and into the backyard to call Mrs. [REDACTED] on the phone.

Mr. [VICTIM #1] advised he was standing outside trying to reach Mrs. [REDACTED] when he was approached by someone out the darkness. Mr. [VICTIM #1] stated he was struck from behind by the individual he later stated to be listed offender/suspect (William Estus). Mr. [VICTIM #1] remained conscious, however; fell to the ground and was struck two more times.

Mr. [VICTIM #1] advised, listed witness [WITNESS #2] had to holler at Mr. Estus multiple times and assisted I’m getting Mr. Estus off of Mr. [VICTIM #1]. Mr. [VICTIM #1] suspected it to be Mr. Estus as he was getting back to his feet Mrs. [WITNESS #2] had been yelling Mr. Estus name multiple times to get him to stop and separate from Mr. [VICTIM #1]. Mr. [VICTIM #1] advised listed witness [WITNESS #3] also was outside sitting on the swing and attempted to assist in stopping Mr. Estus but Mrs. [WITNESS #2] had already separated them.

Mr. [VICTIM #1] contacted Mrs. [WITNESS #1] and informed her of the assault and he was injured. Mr. [VICTIM #1] was transported to Chattooga Emergency Center by Ms. [WITNESS #1] and her uncle [REDACTED]. I took photos of Mr. [VICTIM #1] head and observed a deep cut to the back of his head and swelling to his face. Photos attached to report. Mr. [VICTIM #1] advised he wanted to prosecute.

I contacted night shift Lafayette patrol to attempt to make contact with Mr. Estus and get his side of the incident, however; his bike was not at the location, but his vehicle (black in color 2006 Ford Fusion Tag [REDACTED]) was at the incident location. Night shift Officer Haven and Corporal Pyper attempted to make contact and was advised Mr. Estus was not at the residence. Officer Haven and Corporal Pyper did speak with Mrs. [WITNESS #2] about the incident (see supplemental). In the statement provided by Mrs. [WITNESS #2] she advised Mr. Estus came out of nowhere and struck Mr. [VICTIM #1] in the head and when he went down struck Mr. [VICTIM #1] two more times.

With the additional information provided by Mrs. [WITNESS #2] I will be applying for warrants against Mr. Estus for Aggravated Assault and Aggravated Battery. Mr. Estus did commit the offense of Aggravated Assault when he used a offensive weapon (blunt wooden board) to cause serious bodily harm to Mr. [VICTIM #1] when he struck him in the back of the head causing a deep laceration and several knots to form. Mr. Estus is also being charged with Aggravated battery as he maliciously without justification caused seriously bodily injury to Mr. [VICTIM #1] head.

[End of Narrative]

[NARRATIVE #2 on July 01, 2026]

On 07/01/2026 at approximately 0245 hours, I, Officer Haven, was requested by Sgt Hunt, to go to [600 BLOCK] W Main St to attempt to make contact with any potential witnesses and a possible suspect to an assault case that he had come into the hospital in Chattooga County while working an off duty detail.

When I arrived on scene, the suspect, Mr. William Estus, was not on scene. I began speaking with the witness, Mrs. [WITNESS #2]. I asked her what happened earlier and she stated that Mr. [VICTIM #1], known to Ms [WITNESS #2] as “[VICTIM #1]”, showed up looking for his girlfriend. She stated that he was being rude and using disrespectful words. She stated that he did not find her so he left. He then came back a few minutes later and that was when Will began striking him all over the body with a stick. She stated that Will and [VICTIM #1] had exchanged a few words before he left the first time. She stated that after they pulled Will off of [VICTIM #1], Will got on his bicycle and took the stick with him and fled the scene.

I asked her if Will was inside the residence, because his car was outside. She stated that he was not and that he left on a maroon girls bicycle. I then asked if I could search the residence and Mr [REDACTED] stated that I could. I then searched the residence and did not locate Mr. Estus. Cpl Pyper then had Ms [WITNESS #2] write out a written statement.

[End of Narrative]

[NARRATIVE #3 on July 02, 2026]

On 07/02/2026, I, Sergeant Simpson, applied for a warrant for Estus for Sgt. Hunt. I was granted the warrant. I have attached a copy to this report and to the board at the Police department. I gave the warrant to the Walker County Sheriff’s Office.

[End of Narrative]

[NARRATIVE #4 on July 03, 2026]

On Friday, July 3, 2026, at approximately 1950 hours, Staff Sergeant Wilson was patrolling on West Main Street. As he passed [600 BLOCK] West Main Street, he observed a male standing in the backyard area of the residence. Due to the distance, he was unable to immediately identify the individual. SSGT Wilson was aware that William Estus had an active warrant and knew that Estus frequently stayed at the residence.

SSGT Wilson circled the block and entered the alley running alongside the residence from the Colerain Street entrance. As he drove past the residence, he observed William Estus standing inside a shed located behind the house. SSGT Wilson stopped his patrol vehicle, exited, and approached Estus. He ordered Estus to step out of the shed and place his hands behind his back. Estus complied and was detained in handcuffs behind his back. The handcuffs were checked for proper fit and double locked. SSGT Wilson then advised central of the detention and requested confirmation of the warrant through the jail.

While awaiting confirmation, SSGT Wilson requested and received consent to search Estus’ pockets. No illegal items were located. Estus’ Swiss Army knife and vape device were removed and released to [WITNESS #2] for safekeeping. Estus also had a knife sheath and flint attached to his belt, which were likewise released to [WITNESS #2].

While waiting for confirmation of the warrant, Estus began speaking voluntarily about the incident that led to the warrant. He stated that [VICTIM #1]’s girlfriend, [REDACTED], came to [WITNESS #2]’s residence with a large black eye that she claimed [VICTIM #1] had caused. Estus stated that [VICTIM #1] later came to [WITNESS #2]’s residence looking for [REDACTED]. He said he remained outside but could hear [VICTIM #1] and [REDACTED] arguing inside the residence. Estus stated he did not believe the argument became physical.

Estus stated he had a guitar inside the residence that he did not want damaged, so he went inside to retrieve it. As he exited the residence with the guitar, he stated that [VICTIM #1] struck him three times in the back of the head and back. Estus stated he was able to get away from [VICTIM #1] because he was faster and repeatedly told [VICTIM #1] to leave him alone. He further stated that [VICTIM #1] continued threatening him and told him he would return while Estus was asleep. Estus advised that he was familiar with [VICTIM #1] and knew him to have a violent history.

Estus stated that later that evening, after he had gone to bed outside, he observed [VICTIM #1] walking around the yard. He stated he saw something shiny in [VICTIM #1]’s hand. Estus added that he did not want to go to the hospital, so he acted “preemptively.”

Upon arrival at the Jail, SSGT Wilson asked Estus if he wished to speak with an investigator regarding the incident. Estus considered the request but ultimately declined to provide a statement without an attorney present. The outstanding warrant was executed, and Estus was accepted into the custody of the jail without incident.

[End of Narrative]