Body camera footage of Athens officer-involved shooting released

ATHENS, Ga. — Police in Clarke County released body camera footage showing the tense moments during an officer-involved shooting.

The Clarke County police chief says his officer did nothing wrong while attempting to stop someone for a liquor violation early Saturday morning.

The suspect's cousin told Channel 2's Matt Johnson that Justin Scott, 22, was on his way back from a nightclub and police should have considered his state of mind.

"I think that officer should have handled it better. I don't think he should have fired, because you could see that he was drunk," Lamorio Freeman said.

Police shared body camera footage with Channel 2 Action News that shows an officer pointing his gun at  Scott.

Police say Scott was pouring liquor into a cup at a Golden Pantry convenience store at around 3 a.m. when the officer approached him.

According to police, the video shows Scott slowly reach for a weapon. That's when the officer fires twice, hitting Scott.

According to video released by police, Scott began running as soon as shots were fired.

Police say Scott was arrested across the street on Barnett Shoals.

Cox Media Group