Rabun County Man Bobby Mashburn arrested after shooting at linemen restoring power, sheriff says

RABUN COUNTY, Ga. — A man was arrested Tuesday after authorities say he fired shots at linemen working to restore power in Rabun County, according to the sheriff’s office.

Sheriff Mark Gerrells said threats or violence against utility workers will not be tolerated.

“These individuals are working to restore services and keep our community safe, and actions that place them in danger are taken very seriously,” Gerrells said in a news release.

The man, identified as 56-year-old Bobby Mashburn, faces two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of terroristic threats and one count of reckless conduct.

The incident occurred as power crews continue restoration efforts following an ice storm last weekend that downed trees and power lines, leaving thousands without electricity across northeast Georgia.

As of just before noon Wednesday, about 700 households in Rabun County remained without power, according to Georgia Power and Habersham EMC outage maps.

Deputies were called Tuesday to the area of Bluebird Lane and Old Highway 441 in Lakemont after reports of a man threatening and shooting at power crews, the sheriff’s office said.

Authorities later located Mashburn and took him into custody without incident. The sheriff’s office did not specify the nature of the threats or what led up to the alleged shooting.

No linemen were injured, and no injuries were reported.

A firearm was seized, and the investigation remains ongoing, the sheriff’s office said.

Gerrells also thanked responding agencies and power crews for their efforts to restore service to the community.