Man in critical condition following Athens police shooting on North Avenue

Athens police shoot man armed with two knives

Athens-Clarke County police shot John Weeks outside a homeless center after he refused to drop two knives, according to the GBI. The suspect remains in critical condition while the involved officer is on administrative leave.  

ATHENS, Ga. - An Athens-Clarke County police officer shot a 44-year-old man holding two knives outside a homeless center on North Avenue on Monday afternoon, officials said. 

Athens police shooting investigation

What we know:

Officers responded around 4:30 p.m. Monday to 240 North Avenue after an employee at the Homeless Day Service Center reported a man yelling outside the front door. The employee opened the door to check on the man, identified as 44-year-old John Weeks of Athens, who continued yelling while holding a knife in each hand. 

The employee shut the door and asked for help from an off-duty officer working at the center, who then called for backup. After additional officers arrived and ordered Weeks to drop the knives, Weeks refused to comply and took steps toward them. One officer fired a gun, striking Weeks, who was then taken to a local hospital in critical condition. 

What they're saying:

Witnesses described a chaotic scene outside the facility. 

"I saw two officers come up behind me and approach this dude. He had 2 knives in his hand. The officer said put the knife down 3 times, and then all I know I heard a shot and the man fell to the ground," witness Tammy Evans said. Witness Mamie Dunn said she ran away after hearing gunshots, adding that she had never seen anything like that in the daylight. No police officers were injured during the encounter. 

What we don't know:

Authorities have not released the name of the officer who fired the shot or disclosed how many total rounds were fired. 

What's next:

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is conducting an independent investigation into the shooting at the request of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. Once complete, agents will turn the findings over to the Northern Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.