The Commission imposed a six-month suspension on the POST certificate of a Hamilton County deputy, Albert Gerardo, following testimony and internal-review findings about a Jan. 28 pursuit that crossed jurisdictions.

Hamilton County presenters described a pursuit that began in Catoosa County, Ga., and continued through Hamilton County onto an interstate where Deputies spiked the suspect vehicle. Commission staff and Hamilton County representatives said Deputy Gerardo deployed spikes and later performed a boxing technique to stop the suspect’s vehicle. Video reviewed by the agency shows the suspect’s vehicle slowed and then gunfire was exchanged; multiple deputies fired and at least two deputies were struck (one by gunfire, another by shrapnel), according to the Hamilton County presentation.

Internal Affairs sustained multiple performance and conduct violations against Deputy Gerardo: neglect of duty, unsatisfactory performance, improper use-of-rifle policy (including possessing an unauthorized suppressor), risk to bystanders under response-to-resistance standards, and policy violations relating to roadblocks and forcible stopping techniques. Hamilton County reclassified Gerardo from patrol duties to a civilian property role rather than terminating him; Gerardo testified about his combat deployments, PTSD after the incident, and acknowledged fault for failing to maintain a proper sight picture when he fired.

Commission discussion focused on fitness for duty and public safety. Commissioners asked whether Gerardo had completed psychological fitness evaluations; presenters said he had undergone evaluation and was working in a civilian role. Commissioners ultimately agreed to a six-month administrative suspension of his POST certificate under an agreed-order procedure that requires the deputy to secure a hiring agency and satisfy fitness-for-duty and hiring prerequisites to reinstate his certificate after the suspension.

The Commission’s action places the deputy’s certificate in suspended status in the national database for the stated period and requires re-presentation to the Commission with a hiring agency and fresh fitness-for-duty evaluations before any reactivation.