Fort Payne Man Guilty of Aggravated Assault and Theft

DADE COUNTY, Ga. – A Fort Payne, Alabama man was convicted by a Dade County jury following a two-day trial before Judge Don Thompson which ended on October 28, 2025.

Ethan Wayne Rogers, 36, was convicted of Aggravated Assault and Theft by Bringing Stolen Property into the State.

Evidence presented during the trial showed that on January 3, 2022, investigators with the Dekalb County Alabama Sheriff’s Office were located at the One 9 Fuel Station in Wildwood for the purpose of executing an arrest warrant on Ethan Wayne Rogers for the theft of a 2015 Honda Accord stolen out of Dekalb County.

Two of the investigators also served as lawfully sworn Dade County Sheriff’s Deputies under Sheriff Ray Cross.

Investigators located the stolen vehicle at the gas station, and attempted to box the vehicle in, driving directly in front of where the stolen vehicle was parked.

While attempting to apprehend Rogers, he put the stolen vehicle in drive, nearly causing Andrew Hairston, a 40-year law enforcement veteran, to be crushed in between the two vehicles.

Hairston’s life was saved by the actions of his son, Investigator Joshua Hairston, who opened fire on Rogers, striking him in the abdomen.

The investigators were able to render aid to Rogers on scene while awaiting EMS services, and he ultimately survived his injuries.

The case was investigated by Georgia Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Adam Jones, and Dade County Sheriff’s Office Investigators Chad Payne and Tim McKaig.

The case was presented by Senior Assistant District Attorney Kevin Baugh and Assistant District Attorney Caitlin Banks, who were assisted by Administrative Assistant Tamara Clayton, Administrative Assistant Annabelle Carter, Victim-Witness Services Director Amy Reed, and Chief Investigator Christy Smith.

Rogers was sentenced on October 28, 2025 to serve ten years in prison without the possibility of parole, followed by ten years on probation.

“Maybe in Washington, D.C. juries let felons walk for throwing objects at law enforcement. But we don’t do that here in Northwest Georgia. You attack our officers, we’re coming after you. Now this piece of Alabama Crimeson Trash is headed to prison for a long time. In Northwest Georgia, we don’t play,” said District Attorney Clayton M. Fuller.