Suspect in Hiawassee stabbing charged with aggravated assault

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Anthony “Scott” Barrett, the suspect involved in the Monday stabbing of Danny Gibson, has been charged with aggravated assault, Towns County Sheriff’s Office said. Additionally, Barrett is being held in Towns County Detention Center on a probation violation warrant out of Fannin County, GA.

On Monday, April 22, Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to investigate a report of a knife stabbing. Deputies, along with emergency medical services, responded to the Friendship Store located at the intersection of State Route 76 and State Route 288 in Hiawassee. Gibson, the victim, drove his truck to the store and requested the clerk to call 911.  The incident was reported to have occurred at a residence located nearby, off Cedar Cliff Road, east of the store.

Deputies responded to the location on Cedar Cliff Road and secured the residence. The house and surrounding area were searched for the suspect. Deputies discovered the suspect hiding in a Ford Explorer. Barrett was taken into custody without incident.

Gibson was transported by ambulance to Union General Hospital for treatment of a non-life threatening knife stab to the back.

The investigation is currently active and ongoing at this time. The case will be forwarded to the Enotah Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. Barrett is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.