In the late summer of 1979, the community of Monticello, Georgia, was shaken by the tragic death of one of its own. Robert Gotel, a 23-year-old male Patrolman with the Monticello Police Department, was killed in the line of duty on August 27th. Gotel, who had served on the force for a year, was fatally shot while responding to a call.
The incident unfolded when Patrolman Gotel, along with the police chief, arrived at a residence to arrest a 99-year-old man for brandishing a firearm. As the officers attempted to enter the home to take the man into custody, he fired a pistol. The single round struck Gotel in the head, inflicting a mortal wound. He was survived by his parents and six siblings.
Decades later, the memory of Patrolman Gotel's service and sacrifice has not been forgotten. In a 2021 meeting, the Monticello City Council agreed to place a sign on Blue Ruin Street in his honor, a lasting tribute to the young officer who gave his life in the service of his community.
Information regarding the identity of the 99-year-old suspect, details of his arrest, or the specifics of any subsequent legal proceedings, including charges, trials, or convictions, are not available in the online sources.
