Sheriff Recovering From Injuries Suffered Last Week

Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley is continuing to recover from the injuries he suffered when he was assaulted at a domestic call he responded to last Wednesday.

He returned to work this week after he was assaulted at a domestic call last Wednesday afternoon on Ranick Drive.

Shirley said that he was hit in the right eye by 36-year-old John Matthew Williams of Ranick Drive and the force caused unconsciousness.

Also, Shirley said he immediately fell onto a piece of an object cracking upper and lower front teeth.

The sheriff said he was transported to the hospital after being assaulted and was diagnosed with a mild concussion, orbital fractures, a nasal fracture, and hemorrhage inside the right eye.

He said he also had lacerations that were stitched and double vision.

Shirley said a follow-up examination by an eye specialist in Athens revealed no permanent eye damage.

According to the sheriff, the specialist says that the fractures normally heal themselves but that was no guarantee, so if they do not, surgery would be planned.

The sheriff said he deeply appreciates the many phone calls, visits, food, and prayers from people during this time.

As a result of that domestic call, Williams was arrested and charged with Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer and Felony Obstruction of an Officer, while 29-year-old Rebecca Faith Heaton of Ranick Drive was arrested and charged with Felony Obstruction of an Officer.

Shirley said both individuals have since bonded out of jail.