Jeff Wright

Name:
Wright, Jeff Gregory

Date of Booking:
05/09/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
Theft By Receiving Stolen Vehicle, Misd

Possess Methamphetamine

Possess To Distribute, Methamphetamine

Possess Firearm / Knife During Commission Of Felony

Possession And Use Of Drug Related Objects

Possession Of Firearm By Convicted Felon

Possess Tools For Commission Of Crime, Burglary

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 May 06, 2026]

On May 6, 2026, at approximately 0406 hours, Deputy Painter, Deputy Ochoa, and Deputy Kell were dispatched to the area of the [500 BLOCK] Redwine Cove in reference to possible shots being fired. The caller, Ms. [WITNESS #1], advised the Whitfield County Communications Center that she heard possible shots fired as well as vehicles speeding and revving their engines.

At approximately 0418 hours, Deputy Painter located a white U-Haul transit van (Arizona registration number [REDACTED]) at [500 BLOCK] Redwine Cove. Due to previous calls earlier that morning, Deputy Painter conducted an investigatory stop on the U-Haul. Deputy Painter made contact with the driver of the U-Haul, Mr. [VICTIM #1], and the passenger, Ms. [VICTIM #2]. Both individuals had exited the U-Haul as Deputy Painter arrived on scene.

Mr. [VICTIM #1] stated to Deputy Painter that he was about to call 911 because he had just been shot at while driving the U-Haul. Mr. [VICTIM #1] provided the names Greg Wright and Derek Phillips as the potential suspects. Mr. [VICTIM #1] stated that Mr. Wright was driving the vehicle, and Mr. Phillips was the passenger and shooter. Mr. [VICTIM #1] also stated that Mr. Wright drove a grey Saturn, which is the vehicle where the shots came from. Mr. [VICTIM #1] stated he did not directly know Mr. Wright, but he did know Mr. Phillips.

Mr. [VICTIM #1] stated that he had recently lived with Mr. Phillips. He further stated that Mr. Phillips believed that Mr. [VICTIM #1] owed him money, and that is likely what this incident was over. Mr. [VICTIM #1] described Mr. Wright as being a little shorter than himself (6’0″ – 6’2″), having a beard, and receding hairline/balding).

Based on Mr. [VICTIM #1]’s description of Mr. Wright, as well as the offender vehicle, Deputy Painter recognized the individual from a previous traffic stop approximately two hours prior in the area of Redwine Cove and Carbondale Road. Deputy Painter identified the vehicle as a silver Saturn Vue (GA registration number [REDACTED]) and the driver as Mr. Jeff Gregory Wright.

Deputy Painter observed what appeared to be a bullet entry hole on the passenger side of the U-Haul, approximately in the middle portion of the vehicle. Deputy Painter also observed what appeared to be a bullet exit hole on the opposite side of the U-Haul. Deputy Painter also observed that there appeared to be a bullet hole in the front driver side head light that had potentially punctured the radiator of the vehicle. Deputy Kell also located two shell casings on Redwine Cove.

Mr. [VICTIM #1] later reviewed photos of the silver Saturn Vue from flock camera footage and positively identified the offender vehicle for this incident. Mr. [VICTIM #1] also reviewed photos of Mr. Wright and Mr. Phillips and positively identified them as the suspects in the shooting.

Detective Lance was contacted by Deputy Painter and later responded to the scene. The scene, as well as all evidence, were turned over to Detective Lance. This case will be considered active through the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation by the Criminal Investigations Division.

[End of Narrative]

[NARRATIVE #2 on June 25, 2026]

On June 25, 2026, at approximately 1539 hours, Deputies Findley, Townsend, and Bandy were alerted by Detectives Caraway and Kirby that they had located a black Jeep Cherokee. Det Caraway advised that it is believed that Derek Phillips has been driving that Jeep. Derek was showing 2 active warrants through Whitfield County.

The deputies located the Jeep as it entered Whitfield County on Witherow Bridge Rd. Deputy Findley observed the Jeep turn into a driveway just off of Mitchel Bridge Rd. Deputies conducted an investigatory stop to identify if Derek was inside the vehicle. Once the vehicle came to a stop, Deputies Findley and Townsend recognized the driver as Derek.

Due to the severity of his warrants, Deputies conducted a felony traffic stop, and Derek exited the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident. A passenger was briefly detained but let go shortly after, and he left the scene.

Frank’s Towing responded and took over possession of the Jeep. Derek was transported to the Whitfield County Jail, where he was served with warrant #W26-801 for aggravated assault with a gun, and probation warrant #26-00233 for theft by shoplifting.

[End of Narrative]