Thursday, June 19, 2025–9:55 a.m.
-Georgia Bureau of Investigation-
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has arrested a former Trion Police Officer.
52-year-old Joel “Chris” Wooten of Summerville is charged with aggravated battery and violation of oath by a public officer.
According to the GBI:
On June 11, the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office requested that the GBI investigate allegations of excessive force on a handcuffed arrestee.
Wooten is accused of hitting the arrestee in the face several times, causing injuries.
Wooten was booked into the Chattooga County Jail.
This investigation is active and ongoing.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the GBI. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597-TIPS(8477), online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
The GBI will conduct an independent investigation.
Once complete, the case file will be given to the Chattooga County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
