Officer fires shot as suspect starts police chase at apartments near UGA campus

ATHENS, Ga. — A police officer in Athens fired a shot just blocks away from the University of Georgia campus moments before a police chase.

Officers were patrolling the Bethel Homes on Hickman Drive, which is less than half of a mile from the iconic UGA Arch, on Friday.

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Investigators say they tried talking to a man who then started running.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says that he got into a car and fired the gun, so at least one officer returned fire. No one was injured.

GBI agents identified the suspect as Walter McGuire, 26.

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McGuire was able to speed away from the apartment and begin a chase.

Police were able to stop the car and arrest McGuire.

He was taken to the hospital before being taken to the Athens-Clarke County Jail where he is currently being held on charges of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, theft by receiving stolen property, obstruction, reckless driving and several more traffic charges.

Athens-Clarke County police say that the GBI will be investigating and the officer involved will be placed on administrative leave in the meantime.

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