\\ NPD Officer Involved Shooting - The Suspect
Just after 1 AM on Saturday, October 3rd, 2026, officers with the Newnan Police Department (NPD) were involved in an Officer Involved Shooting (OIS) after a vehicle stop off Cliff Circle lead to a foot chase that ended with Zadarious Dorsey, 18, of Newnan being shot by officers and passing away shortly after at Piedmont Newnan Hospital (PNH).
Why this Information Matters
Make no mistake, the death of anyone, especially as young as this suspect, is tragic. The following information is provided with the intent of providing context as to the possible reasoning behind the actions of the suspect and police at the time of the OIS.
It's also important to mention that while charged with the crimes below, Dorsey had not been found guilty in court on the charges.
Previous Criminal History
Due to Dorsey's age, information regarding his criminal history is only available for a short period. Within this period, records indicate that he's been arrested twice, with the latest being in March of this year.
The information below is compiled from data compiled by NCST from previous open records request. Detailed information regarding each incident is not currently available however request have been made and this article will be updated with that information when it's received.
October 9th, 2025 Arrest
On October 9th, 2025 at 3:41 PM, NPD units stopped a vehicle in the area of 6 Taylor St in Newnan. Records indicate that as a result of this interaction Dorsey was arrested and charged with the following charges.
- Loitering or Prowling (M)
- Tampering with Evidence (M)
- Possession of Pistol or Revolver by person under 18 YOA - 2E (M)
- Willful Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers (M)
- Improper U-Turn (M)
- Furnishing Tabaco Products to Minors (M)
Records list the incident as a "Warrant Service" which normally indicates the arrest was made as the result of an active warrant for the individual, even if the initial contact was for a different reason.
Booking data shows that Dorsey was released from the Coweta County Jail the next day, October 10th, 2025.
At the time of this arrest, Dorsey was 17 years old.
Neither State or Superior Court Records show a case had yet been generated regarding these charges.
March 25th, 2026 Arrest
On March 25th, 2026 at 9:35 PM, NPD units were dispatched for a subject armed in the area of 41 Neal Street in Newnan. Multiple individuals were arrested as a result of this incident, including Dorsey who was charged with the following.
- Marijuana - Possess Less than 1 ounce. (M)
Records indicate Dorsey, who was 18 at the time of this arrest, was released the next day, March 26th, 2026 on bond.
State Court records indicate that an accusation was filed by prosecutors on August 8th, 2026, generating State Court case 26CR2112 with the case set for a court date of November 3rd of this year.