Ga. sheriff accused of shooting woman

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — Police are investigating a shooting in this northern Atlanta suburb involving an Atlanta-area county sheriff.

Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill accidentally shot a woman at a model home in Lawrenceville, Ga., on Sunday, said Gwinnett County Police Sgt. Brian Doan.

The woman, whose name has not been released, is in critical condition at an area hospital with a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

Authorities said that Hill has refused to cooperate with the investigation and did not give a statement or answer questions. Because he is an active sheriff, he was allowed to leave the scene, Doan said.

"When you're an active sheriff in the state of Georgia, there are certain legal requirements and steps that have to be taken," said Doan. "It's not just an average citizen where you can take out a warrant for their arrest."

Neighbors said the victim is a real estate agent and a friend of Hill's. Police said there were four people at the home at the time of the shooting — Hill, the victim and two potential homebuyers.

Investigators with the Gwinnett County Police Department are consulting with the district attorney's office about the case. No charges have been filed and the investigation is ongoing, according to a police news release.

In a statement, Gwinnett County police said the shooting was "reported as accidental" but didn't elaborate on who reported it that way.

Hill was re-elected as sheriff of Clayton County, which is south of Atlanta, in 2012 despite facing 37 charges of corruption at the time of the election. Hill was later acquitted of all charges. Since being re-elected, Hill has kept a relatively low profile, rarely granting interviews.

Hill did not respond to requests for comment.

Contributing: The Associated Press.