PRESS RELEASE – At approximately 5:22 p.m. yesterday, May 9, 2025, Toccoa Police Department were dispatched to a 911 call regarding two vehicles involved in a road rage incident beginning on Highway 17 Alternate toward Toccoa.

While initial TPD units were responding, several calls were placed to Stephens County 911 & Emergency Management, Georgia regarding two cars blocking lanes of traffic on Highway 17 across from Farm Bureau, multiple white males, and a gunshot.

Dispatchers received further information that an off-duty deputy with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office was driving by with his family when a firearm was discharged, and a bullet struck their personal vehicle.

None of the three individuals in the off-duty deputy’s vehicle were injured.

Deputies responded swiftly to the area, along with Georgia State Patrol Troopers and rangers with the Department of Natural Resources.

During this time, dispatch also received a call from a male with a gunshot wound who was parked in a company vehicle in the parking lot of the Highway 17 Diner on Big A Road.

TPD and Stephens County EMS units arrived on scene, and the individual was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center with a gunshot wound to the right shoulder. SCSO deputies also responded to the crime scene, which was later processed for evidence by our Crime Suppression Unit (CSU).

Meanwhile at the crime scene near Farm Bureau, deputies recovered evidence that a firearm had been discharged in the roadway.

A BOLO was released for a silver Infiniti occupied by two males believed to be the suspects’ vehicle. Investigators then recovered further evidence that a physical altercation between multiple individuals ensued in the roadway, a firearm was discharged, and the bullet struck one subject, exiting and eventually striking the off-duty deputy’s vehicle.

While investigators were processing the scene where the shooting occurred, deputies, Troopers, and TPD officers followed several leads from concerned citizens regarding the BOLO.

During their search for the vehicle, a male called 911 stating he was the shooter and wanted to turn himself in to law enforcement.

The CSU then responded to an address on Shady Lane.

After further investigation, Donald Sedivy, 70 of Toccoa, was arrested. He was transported to the Stephens County Jail without incident.

Sedivy’s vehicle, a white Infiniti similar to the BOLO description, was found outside the residence. It was then towed to the Stephens County Jail for further investigation.

Sedivy has been charged with four counts of Aggravated Assault, one count of Cruelty to Children in the 2nd Degree, one count of Discharging a Firearm Near Public Highway, and one count of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony.

The individual who sustained a gunshot wound is expected to recover from his injuries.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of the agencies and concerned citizens who assisted with this incident.

Though the SCSO took command of the investigation, we are extremely thankful for TPD, GSP, DNR, and Georgia Bureau of Investigation agents who assisted with the search and overall safety.

“I would like to express my gratitude for the collaboration and teamwork that occurred among state and local law enforcement agencies,” said Sheriff Rusty Fulbright. “Together, we form a cohesive team dedicated to working toward a stronger and safer Stephens County.”

This is an ongoing investigation. Further charges may be forthcoming. More information will be released as it becomes available.

“Please have patience when traveling on the roadway. You don’t know what a person in another vehicle is going through in that moment or how their day went, and engaging in road rage could lead to events like this,” said Sheriff Fulbright. “So please show a little grace if someone pulls out in front of you or cuts you off. If it happens, slow down and let the vehicle pass. Don’t engage in road rage.”