ATHENS, Ga. — An Athens man is in the hospital after police say an officer shot him during a disturbance Monday afternoon.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is now handling the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
According to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, officers were called to North Avenue around 4 p.m. for reports of a man with a “bladed weapon.”
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Witnesses who spoke with Channel 2’s Brittany Kleinpeter said they heard gunshots and watched as the situation escalated.
“I heard pow, pow, and I took off running,” witness Mamie Don said.
Another witness, Tammy Evans, said she saw the interaction between the man and officers before the shooting.
“He stepped one foot forward and that’s when the police shot him down,” Evans said.
Police said during the encounter, at least one officer fired their weapon, striking the man.
Witnesses who remained at the Athens Resource Center for Hope Monday night described what they saw unfold. Evans said the man appeared to be holding a weapon in each hand before officers opened fire.
“They said put the knife down three times and the man didn’t want to put it down, so he charged like this,” Evans said.
Authorities said the man was taken to Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center, where he was being treated for his injuries. No officers were injured.
The GBI is leading the criminal investigation, while the Athens-Clarke County Police Department conducts a separate administrative review. The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigations.
The GBI says additional information will be released as the investigation continues.
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