Probe finds no criminal evidence against Dalton officer who killed himself

Authorities have concluded no evidence shows a police officer who killed himself at the Dalton Police Department in early 2009 was involved in criminal activity.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Conasauga Judicial Circuit District Attorney's office investigated rape investigation against Officer Paul Sparks, said police spokesman Bruce Frazier.

The DA's office concluded that while the complainant clearly made false statements to investigators, there's insufficient evidence to support criminal against her, Mr. Frazier said.

The case began Jan. 10, 209, when officers were dispatched to a hotel on a complaint that an officer had raped a woman, he said. After the woman was taken to Hamilton County Medical Center to be examined by a sexual assault nurse examiner, authorities discussed how to proceed with the allegations, he said.

As the discussion was in progress, Officer Sparks excused himself to the bathroom and used his service weapon to shoot himself, Mr. Frazier said.

See Thursday's Times Free Press for complete details.

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