Bretlin Barnett, a resident listed in public arrest records, was taken into custody on October 19, 2025, in Gordon County, Georgia. According to the official booking report, the arrest was made by local authorities and the subject was charged with the following offense(s): AGGRAVATED ASSAULTAGGRAVATED ASSAULTAGGRAVATED ASSAULTAGGRAVATED ASSAULTCRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY – 1ST DEGREEDISCHARGING FIREARM WHILE UNDER INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGSHOUSED FOR CALHOUN P.D. DUIHOUSED FOR CALHOUN P.D. FAILURE TO MAINTAIN LANEHOUSED FOR CALHOUN P.D. OPEN CONTAINERPOSSESSION OF FIREARM OR KNIFE DURING COMMISSION OF A CRIMEOfficer’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 October 19, 2025]On 10/19/2025 at approximately 0223 hours I responded to the area of Mauldin Rd at Jolly Rd in reference to Officer Oreliana witnessing a motor vehicle wreck. See accident report for further detail.When I arrived on scene Officer Oreliana advised to me that he observed the vehicle drive off of the roadway and strike a tree. Officer Oreliana also advised the male refused any medical treatment. Officer Oreliana advised to me the driver of the vehicle that had wrecked advised he had consumed three beers. The driver of the vehicle was later identified as Bretlin Barnett.When I began speaking with Bretlin I noticed a strong odor of alcoholic beverage emitting from his person. I also observed his eyes to be bloodshot and watery. I observed Bretlin to be very unsteady on his feet and swaying as he was standing still. When I asked Breltin how much alcohol he had consumed prior to out contact he advised 3 beers. When I asked Bretlin where he was coming from he advised a bar called “Bubba’s”.I then asked Bretlin if I could preform Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) which he advised I could.The first portion of SFST I conducted was Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN). Bretlin advised he did not wear glasses or contact and he advised he had not suffered any recent head/brain injuries. I observed equal pupil size, equal tracking, and no resting nystagmus present. I observed lack of smooth pursuit in both eyes. I observed distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation in both eyes. I observed onset nystagmus prior to 45 degrees in both eyes. Total HGN clues 6/6. I also observed vertical nystagmus present in both eyes. As I conducted HGN I observed Bretlin swaying back and fourth and side to side. After I completed HGN Bretlin turned around and placed his hands behind his back in a way that indicated he wanted me to place handcuffs onto him.After I completed HGN I asked Breltin once more how much alcohol he had consumed. Bretlin now advised 3 beers and 2 vodka cranberries.As I explained the instructions of the Walk and Turn to Bretlin he advised to me he did not want complete this exercise.I then explained the instructions of the One Leg Stand to Bretlin. After I completed explaining the instructions Breltin stated to me “I know I’m drunk” and then he advised he did not want to attempt the exercise.I then asked Bretlin if he would blow into my department issued Alco-sensor, which he agreed to. The Alco-sensor showed a positive reading for alcohol. The reading being .232g.I then placed Bretlin under arrest. Cuffs were placed to the rear, double locked, and checked for proper fit.As Officer Oreliana was conducting a consensual vehicle search to Bretlin’s vehicle he located an open half empty bottle of Tito’s vodka and 3 Fireball cinnamon whiskey shooters.Bretlin’s vehicle was removed from scene by Cherokee Salvage wrecker service.I read Bretlin his implied consent warning for blood which agreed to.I then transported Bretlin to Advent Health Gordon where phlebotomist [REDACTED] conducted the blood draw. Blood draw time being 0320 hours.I then transported Bretlin to the Gordon County Jail where he was released for booking.Bretlin was given citations for DUI-Less Safe, Open Container, and Failure to Maintain Lane.All citations, bond sheets, and Bretlin’s committal sheet are attached to this report. Bretlin’s GBI blood test kit has been placed into evidence room 2 locker A.[End of Narrative][NARRATIVE #2 on October 19, 2025]On October 19, 2025, at approximately 0223 hours, I was patrolling the area of Mauldin Road near Palmer Drive. While traveling westbound on Mauldin Road, I observed a red Jeep Gladiator with Texas license plate [REDACTED] traveling eastbound. I witnessed the vehicle fail to maintain its lane, crossing over the double yellow centerline.Given the observed traffic violation, I turned around to follow the vehicle. I was aware from an earlier BOLO (Be On the Lookout) issued by Gordon County Dispatch that a subject identified as Bretlin Barnett was reported to be making threats to harm himself with a firearm. Dispatch further advised that Mr. Barnett was last seen operating a red Jeep Gladiator with an unknown Texas plate in the area of Creekside Drive.The vehicle I was behind matched the description provided in the BOLO, and based on the nature of the dispatch information, I had reasonable suspicion that the driver may be armed and experiencing a mental health crisis.As I followed the vehicle, the driver turned into the closed parking lot of Northside Church, located at 700 Jolly Rd and proceeded to drive directly into a metal pole before colliding with a tree. At that time, I activated my emergency lights and exited my patrol vehicle.I gave loud verbal commands to the driver, later identified Bretlin Barnett, instructing him to keep his hands visible outside the window. Mr. Barnett complied. I approached the driver’s side door and observed a long rifle resting in the front passenger seat.I instructed Mr. Barnett to exit the vehicle with his hands raised. He complied without incident. I conducted a safety pat-down for weapons and directed Mr. Barnett to stand in front of my marked patrol unit. While speaking with Mr. Barnett, I noticed his eyes were bloodshot and watery, and I detected a strong odor of alcoholic beverage coming from his breath.I asked Mr. Barnett where he was coming from, and he responded, “The bar.” When asked what type of alcohol he had consumed, he stated “Bud Light,” and advised he had consumed approximately three beers. Mr. Barnett denied needing medical attention.Due to signs of possible impairment, Officer Baucom was called to the scene to conduct Standarized field sobriety tests (SFST’S). Officer Baucom and I secured the rifle from the front passenger seat and placed it in the back of my patrol vehicle for safety.Mr. Barnett gave verbal consent to search his vehicle. During the consensual search, I located the following items in the back seat:One half-empty bottle of Tito’s VodkaThree Fireball Cinnamon Whisky shootersOfficer Baucom then transported Mr. Barnett to Advent Health for a blood draw, to conclude the DUI investigation.While conducting an inventory of the vehicle for impound, I was contacted by the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office. They advised that Mr. Barnett was a suspect in a separate investigation involving the discharge of a firearm earlier this date.I located a rifle shell casing on the floorboard behind the driver’s seat. I ensured it remained untouched. Sgt. Kirby with the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and took possession of both the shell casing and the rifle as evidence related to their investigation.The vehicle was released to Cherokee Salvage for towing.[End of Narrative]. This incident was officially recorded and made publicly available by law enforcement agencies in the state of Georgia. The details provided reflect the arrest information at the time of booking and do not indicate guilt or conviction. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
FULL NAME:
Barnett, Bretlin Gage
BOOKING DATE:
10/19/2025
BOOKING DETAILS:
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY – 1ST DEGREE
DISCHARGING FIREARM WHILE UNDER INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS
HOUSED FOR CALHOUN P.D. DUI
HOUSED FOR CALHOUN P.D. FAILURE TO MAINTAIN LANE
HOUSED FOR CALHOUN P.D. OPEN CONTAINER
POSSESSION OF FIREARM OR KNIFE DURING COMMISSION OF A CRIME
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 October 19, 2025]
On 10/19/2025 at approximately 0223 hours I responded to the area of Mauldin Rd at Jolly Rd in reference to Officer Oreliana witnessing a motor vehicle wreck. See accident report for further detail.
When I arrived on scene Officer Oreliana advised to me that he observed the vehicle drive off of the roadway and strike a tree. Officer Oreliana also advised the male refused any medical treatment. Officer Oreliana advised to me the driver of the vehicle that had wrecked advised he had consumed three beers. The driver of the vehicle was later identified as Bretlin Barnett.
When I began speaking with Bretlin I noticed a strong odor of alcoholic beverage emitting from his person. I also observed his eyes to be bloodshot and watery. I observed Bretlin to be very unsteady on his feet and swaying as he was standing still. When I asked Breltin how much alcohol he had consumed prior to out contact he advised 3 beers. When I asked Bretlin where he was coming from he advised a bar called “Bubba’s”.
I then asked Bretlin if I could preform Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) which he advised I could.
The first portion of SFST I conducted was Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN). Bretlin advised he did not wear glasses or contact and he advised he had not suffered any recent head/brain injuries. I observed equal pupil size, equal tracking, and no resting nystagmus present. I observed lack of smooth pursuit in both eyes. I observed distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation in both eyes. I observed onset nystagmus prior to 45 degrees in both eyes. Total HGN clues 6/6. I also observed vertical nystagmus present in both eyes. As I conducted HGN I observed Bretlin swaying back and fourth and side to side. After I completed HGN Bretlin turned around and placed his hands behind his back in a way that indicated he wanted me to place handcuffs onto him.
After I completed HGN I asked Breltin once more how much alcohol he had consumed. Bretlin now advised 3 beers and 2 vodka cranberries.
As I explained the instructions of the Walk and Turn to Bretlin he advised to me he did not want complete this exercise.
I then explained the instructions of the One Leg Stand to Bretlin. After I completed explaining the instructions Breltin stated to me “I know I’m drunk” and then he advised he did not want to attempt the exercise.
I then asked Bretlin if he would blow into my department issued Alco-sensor, which he agreed to. The Alco-sensor showed a positive reading for alcohol. The reading being .232g.
I then placed Bretlin under arrest. Cuffs were placed to the rear, double locked, and checked for proper fit.
As Officer Oreliana was conducting a consensual vehicle search to Bretlin’s vehicle he located an open half empty bottle of Tito’s vodka and 3 Fireball cinnamon whiskey shooters.
Bretlin’s vehicle was removed from scene by Cherokee Salvage wrecker service.
I read Bretlin his implied consent warning for blood which agreed to.
I then transported Bretlin to Advent Health Gordon where phlebotomist [REDACTED] conducted the blood draw. Blood draw time being 0320 hours.
I then transported Bretlin to the Gordon County Jail where he was released for booking.
Bretlin was given citations for DUI-Less Safe, Open Container, and Failure to Maintain Lane.
All citations, bond sheets, and Bretlin’s committal sheet are attached to this report. Bretlin’s GBI blood test kit has been placed into evidence room 2 locker A.
[End of Narrative]
[NARRATIVE #2 on October 19, 2025]
On October 19, 2025, at approximately 0223 hours, I was patrolling the area of Mauldin Road near Palmer Drive. While traveling westbound on Mauldin Road, I observed a red Jeep Gladiator with Texas license plate [REDACTED] traveling eastbound. I witnessed the vehicle fail to maintain its lane, crossing over the double yellow centerline.
Given the observed traffic violation, I turned around to follow the vehicle. I was aware from an earlier BOLO (Be On the Lookout) issued by Gordon County Dispatch that a subject identified as Bretlin Barnett was reported to be making threats to harm himself with a firearm. Dispatch further advised that Mr. Barnett was last seen operating a red Jeep Gladiator with an unknown Texas plate in the area of Creekside Drive.
The vehicle I was behind matched the description provided in the BOLO, and based on the nature of the dispatch information, I had reasonable suspicion that the driver may be armed and experiencing a mental health crisis.
As I followed the vehicle, the driver turned into the closed parking lot of Northside Church, located at 700 Jolly Rd and proceeded to drive directly into a metal pole before colliding with a tree. At that time, I activated my emergency lights and exited my patrol vehicle.
I gave loud verbal commands to the driver, later identified Bretlin Barnett, instructing him to keep his hands visible outside the window. Mr. Barnett complied. I approached the driver’s side door and observed a long rifle resting in the front passenger seat.
I instructed Mr. Barnett to exit the vehicle with his hands raised. He complied without incident. I conducted a safety pat-down for weapons and directed Mr. Barnett to stand in front of my marked patrol unit. While speaking with Mr. Barnett, I noticed his eyes were bloodshot and watery, and I detected a strong odor of alcoholic beverage coming from his breath.
I asked Mr. Barnett where he was coming from, and he responded, “The bar.” When asked what type of alcohol he had consumed, he stated “Bud Light,” and advised he had consumed approximately three beers. Mr. Barnett denied needing medical attention.
Due to signs of possible impairment, Officer Baucom was called to the scene to conduct Standarized field sobriety tests (SFST’S). Officer Baucom and I secured the rifle from the front passenger seat and placed it in the back of my patrol vehicle for safety.
Mr. Barnett gave verbal consent to search his vehicle. During the consensual search, I located the following items in the back seat:
One half-empty bottle of Tito’s Vodka
Three Fireball Cinnamon Whisky shooters
Officer Baucom then transported Mr. Barnett to Advent Health for a blood draw, to conclude the DUI investigation.
While conducting an inventory of the vehicle for impound, I was contacted by the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office. They advised that Mr. Barnett was a suspect in a separate investigation involving the discharge of a firearm earlier this date.
I located a rifle shell casing on the floorboard behind the driver’s seat. I ensured it remained untouched. Sgt. Kirby with the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and took possession of both the shell casing and the rifle as evidence related to their investigation.
The vehicle was released to Cherokee Salvage for towing.
[End of Narrative]
Disclaimer: All data provided here is taken from public arrest records. This publication does not imply guilt or final conviction.
More Arrests in Gordon County on October 19, 2025
No other arrests found on this date in Gordon County.
