Man shoots 2, kills 1 in Rome

By Alexis Stevens

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

After shooting and killing a man Tuesday in Armuchee, the 26-year-old suspect fled the scene in the victim's car and drove to the home of his next target, Floyd County police said.

Robert Timothy Spriggs allegedly drove to a home within the Rome city limits and opened fire on a man inside, said Capt. Mark Wallace with Floyd County police.

The man fired back, Wallace said. Two women and an infant were found hiding in a crawl space in the attic when police arrived, Wallace said. Spriggs fled the scene by exiting out the back of the house.

The man in the home was taken to Floyd Medical Center for treatment of his injuries, which are believed to be non-life threatening.

Spriggs apparently ran into a wooded area behind the neighborhood before surrending a short time later, Wallace said. The two shootings are believed to be related and likely are domestic-related.

While Spriggs was on the run from police, he apparently received a cell phone call from Floyd County Sheriff Tim Burkhalter, a family friend. Burkhalter was returning a call Spriggs placed to him earlier, Wallace said. Burkhalter was able to convince Spriggs to turn himself into police.

Spriggs faces a felony murder charge and two aggravated assault charges, as well as charges for burglary, theft by taking and firearm possession, according to a jail spokesperson. Spriggs is being held without bond.

Several law enforcement agencies were involved in the incidents Tuesday, Wallace said.

Floyd County Deputy Coroner Ernie Studard identified the fatality as 46-year-old John Gregory Davis of 4565 Old Dalton Road, according to the Rome News-Tribune.

Spriggs, a 2001 Armuchee High School graduate, previously served in the Air Force. He played linebacker for one season for Shorter College.