North Georgia businessman shot; son arrested

A prominent northeast Georgia businessman was shot Thursday morning, and his son has been arrested in connection with the incident, officials said.

Mike Blanton, owner of Dalton Carpet One Floor and Home, was shot multiple times, according to the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook page. Blanton was taken to a hospital for treatment, and his condition is not known.

Deputies responded to the call about 7:45 a.m.

David Michael Blanton, 31, of Athens, was arrested after his car was stopped by a Georgia State Patrol trooper near the Oconee Connector, sheriff’s officials said.

Blanton was charged with aggravated assault, aggravated battery and battery/family violence, according to the sheriff’s office. He is in the Oconee County jail.

Dalton Carpet One Floor and Home has stores in Athens, Eatonton and Gainesville, according to its website.

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