ATHENS, Ga. — A Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agent was shot during a law enforcement operation in Athens-Clarke County Tuesday.
The agent was transported to Athens Regional Medical Center in critical, but stable condition.
The undercover investigation focused on firearms and fighting violent crime in the county. But investigators said more violence happened near the Airport Minit Market on Winterville Road.
A suspect, 20-year-old Javonta Darden, was shot and killed by authorities.
It’s still under investigation as to who shot whom and who shot first.
"Preliminarily, the ATF agent was shot by one of these two subjects, and the ATF agent returned fire on the subjects,” said Sherry Lang with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
"I don't know. I can't really say. Was he armed or not? But my son got shot," said Randy Darden.
Another suspect, 21-year-old Steven McKinnley, was arrested.
"Charges against him that will be brought are related to the incident. But we're not exactly sure what those charges are at that point," Lang said.
Asked if anyone else was involved, FBI Supervisory Special Agent Carlton Peeples said, "Right now, it's the preliminary investigation and we won't go into those facts at this point."
For now, the suspect’s family also wants those facts.
"This is a puzzle that needs to be put together,” Darden said.
The law enforcement community is now pulling for a successful recovery for one of their own.
"He's in ICU in critical but stable condition. and my prayers are with him and his family," said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ray Brown.
The investigation of this incident is ongoing and is being led by the GBI and the FBI.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the FBI at 404-679-9000.