GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Jurors handed down a guilty verdict Friday in the case against a former Duluth police officer.
Jay Dailey was found guilty on nine counts and not guilty on two counts.
Authorities had alleged that Dailey opened fire on an off-duty Fulton County police officer and was still pulling the trigger on his empty pistol before being subdued. Fulton County officer Paul Phillips fired only four rounds in the exchange.
The bizarre incident began in Feb. 2008 when authorities alleged Dailey -- who was off duty and had allegedly been drinking heavily -- crashed his car on Level Creek Road in Sugar Hill. Prosecutors said Dailey flagged down a female motorist, faked an injury and then sprayed the woman with pepper spray when she tried to call 911. They claimed he later threatened to kill her and told her she was ruining his life.
His defense attorney argued that Dailey suffers from alcoholism and depression, and could not recall what happened that day ... and that some of the charges were overblown.
"He's very remorseful -- he can't believe it ever happened -- but he's honest enough to know he has to pay a penalty ... I'm just hoping the judge isn't too excessive in the penalty," said Jeff Sliz.
Phillips was in court when the verdict was handed down.
"I don't think any officer who takes his oath properly and to heart really would understand how this could happen. But on the other hand, the jury today reinforced the laws that back us up when people hurt us," said Phillips.
WSBTV
