Woman fired twice at man allegedly attacking deputy at gas station

DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. — When a Dawson County deputy was being attacked, a female bystander tells Channel 2 Action News she opened fire on the suspect to protect others.

April Adamson says she was just preparing to get gas at the Chevron station off Georgia 400 in Dawsonville Dec. 5 when she noticed a man punch a Dawson County sheriff's deputy.

She grabbed her husband's .40 caliber handgun that he had left in the glove box and she pointed it at the suspect, she said.

"The guy was reaching for the officer's gun and I told him to stop," Adamson said. "He didn't stop so I fired a warning shot in the grass just to get him off of him. As he took off toward 400, I fired two more shots at him."

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The Dawson County Sheriff's Office says the suspect, Justin Foster, ran toward a nearby McDonalds’ where he assaulted and attempted to carjack three people.

Authorities say Foster was hit at least once by one of Adamson's shots. Another bystanders tackled Foster to the ground until deputies arrived and arrested him.

"I'm actually glad I did fill up that day because I saved not only the officer's life but whoever else he had intended on hurting," said Adamson.

Authorities say the deputy, Sgt. Randy Harkness, is recovering from his injuries. He had offered Foster a courtesy ride and was preparing to offer him money before Foster attacked, deputies said.

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