‘Let Go of Her Gun’: Former Georgia Deputy Attacks Three Officers Inside POST Headquarters

‘Let Go of Her Gun’: Former Georgia Deputy Attacks Three Officers Inside POST Headquarters

AUSTELL, Ga. — A shocking act of violence erupted Monday morning at the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) headquarters, when a former deputy, Alex Ross, allegedly assaulted three sworn officers in a brutal and chaotic incident that left one officer with a broken jaw and all three injured.

The attack took place around 11:30 a.m. on June 2, 2025, inside the POST building, which also houses the Austell Police Department. Ross, 29, a former deputy with multiple Georgia sheriff’s offices and a current resident of Hayesville, North Carolina, had entered the facility to inquire about his law enforcement certification status. He was still listed as a certified officer at the time of the incident, though his status has since been suspended.

According to arrest warrants and statements from authorities, Ross became aggressive during the visit and launched a violent assault against three POST investigators — all women — inside the second-floor offices. The situation escalated rapidly, spilling out into the building’s main hallway.

Austell Police Lt. Edward Cason, whose office is located on the third floor, recalled hearing the commotion and running to the scene with fellow officers. “When they got up in the hallway, they looked down the stairs to the second floor — there were five officers,” Cason said. “One of the investigators had her gun drawn… and all we could hear was, ‘let go of her gun.’”

Ross reportedly attempted to disarm one of the female officers and punched all three women during the struggle. One of the officers sustained a broken jaw in the assault. Multiple law enforcement personnel, including a Cobb County Sheriff’s Deputy, were needed to wrest Ross to the ground and prevent further harm.

“We don’t know what his intent was,” Lt. Cason said, “but whatever it was, it was not going to be good. We were lucky to get her away from him.”

POST Executive Director Chris Harvey issued a statement expressing gratitude for the swift actions of the officers involved:

“We are grateful for the quick action of our POST personnel and the Austell Police Officers who rendered valuable assistance in subduing the assailant. As an active investigation is underway, we are working closely with local and state law enforcement to ensure justice is done and the assailant is held accountable for his violent actions.”

Ross, who previously served with the Walton and Towns County Sheriff’s Offices, had a POST disciplinary history. His file shows he was placed on a 36-month probationary status in April 2025 due to undisclosed issues.

He is now facing a slew of serious felony charges, including:

• Violation of Oath by Public Officer
• Willful Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer
• Removal or Attempted Removal of a Weapon from a Public Official
• Aggravated Battery
• Battery

Ross is currently in custody, and authorities have not yet disclosed a motive behind the attack. Investigators continue to gather details about his employment status and mental condition at the time.

This incident has raised concerns about officer safety even within law enforcement facilities and highlighted the need for ongoing vigilance, even among those who once wore the badge.