THOMSON, GA (WFXG) A violent physical altercation between Thomson Police Department Assistant Chief E.J. Bess and his nephew took place Saturday at their home in Alamo, Georgia. An internal investigation by the Thomson Police Department is now underway.

"He came in, thought his home had been burglarized but noticed that some of the things looked kind of peculiar. Then went and he noticed his weapons was missing, that's when he confronted his nephew,” said Thomson Police Chief Anson Evans.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Bess found his two missing guns in his nephew's room and the 16-year-old shot him in the chest during the confrontation.

Assistant Chief Bess was airlifted to Medical Center Navicent in Macon. Thomson Police Chief Anson Evans visited him immediately.

"I then headed down there, spoke with him and everything, just to make sure everything is going fine. The family’s doing well, he's doing well. He's just Chief Bess. He's still in good spirits, still laughing,” Chief Evans said with a smile.

Chief Evans said Bess has been in law enforcement for about 16 years. He's Evans’ mentee, has been with Thomson PD since last August and is currently over the uniform division, overseeing 12 officers. This incident has taken a physical and emotional toll on the force.

"Not only with COVID-19 out here, we've been pulled from that, as well. With all the things going on with that. Now I’ve got one officer out that's going to be on administrative leave due to an injury,” the chief said.

The GBI, Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office and Thomson police are investigating. Thomson PD’s Internal Affairs Division is working to learn whether or not any policies were violated.

“My Internal Affairs investigation officer is now doing what we need to have for POST (Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council) and for this department,” Chief Evans explained.

The 16-year-old. who lives with Bess on their family farm in Alamo, Georgia, faces several felony charges, including aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during certain crimes and theft by taking. He is also charged with pointing [a] gun at another, which is a misdemeanor.

“One of his nephews from one of his sisters that passed. He’s basically trying to raise his nephews down there who are also living with his mother and father,” Chief Evans said.

The teen is now in the custody of Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. Assistant Chief Bess is expected to be out on administrative leave for a few weeks while he recovers and as the internal investigation continues.

Bess is also running for Wheeler County Sheriff. Chief Evans said his assistant chief is a good officer, leader and family member, and he hopes the community here in McDuffie County there in Wheeler County rallies behind him during this time.

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WHEELER COUNTY (WFXG) - According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the juvenile accused of shooting Thomson's Assistant Police Chief, EJ Bess is being charged with the following: aggravated assault, pointing a gun at another, possession of a firearm during certain crimes, and theft.

He is in the custody of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice.

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The Georgia Bureau of Investigation states they are investigating a shooting that left Thomson's Assistant Police Chief, EJ Bess shot and injured. 

According to the GBI, on Saturday, Apr. 25 the Wheeler County Sheriff's Office requested the Eastman GBI office to assist with a shooting investigation. 

Officials say around 3 p.m. the sheriff's office was dispatch to a residence located at 20 Ag Lane in Alamo, in reference to an individuals being shot. 

Once deputies arrived on the scene they discovered Assistant Police Chief of the Thomson Police Department, EJ Bess injured from a single gunshot wound to the upper chest area. 

It was determined that Bess returned to his home and discovered that his bedroom was burglarized and two of his handguns were missing. 

Law enforcement says Bess located the handguns in the bedroom of his nephew. When Bess made an attempt to confront the juvenile, a confrontation ensured. The juvenile shot Bess during the confrontation, police say. 

Bess was airlifted to a local hospital where he is in stable condition. 

The juvenile is in custody and charges are expected. 

The GBI says the investigation is active and ongoing. 

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