GBI probes officer-involved shooting in Athens

The GBI is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Athens. It happened at Bethel Homes on Hickman Drive in Athens, where Athens-Clarke County Police say one of their officers exchanged gunfire with a suspect.

Neither the Officer nor the suspect were injured. The suspect is in custody.

The Police Officer involved is on administrative leave pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

From the GBI…

At the request of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, GBI agents are investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred at Bethel Homes located in the 100 block of Hickman Drive in Athens, GA. No one was injured in this incident.

Preliminary information indicates on May 3, 2024, at about 9:30 p.m., Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD) officers attempted to make contact with Walter McGuire, age 25, of Colbert, GA.  McGuire ran away from the officers. Officers saw that McGuire had a firearm. McGuire got in a car and fired the gun.  At least one officer fired their gun in return.  McGuire left the scene in the car and after a pursuit, he was eventually taken into custody.

No one was hit by gunfire in this incident.

McGuire was taken to a local hospital, then released to the ACCPD where he was later booked into the Athens-Clarke County Jail.

The GBI will conduct an independent investigation. Once complete, the case file will be given to the Western Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.

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