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Cops: ‘Armed and dangerous’ man wanted after shooting injures 7 in downtown Athens

Pharoah Devonell Williams

Credit: Athens-Clarke County Police Department

Credit: Athens-Clarke County Police Department

Pharoah Devonell Williams
By
Sept 5, 2021

More than half a dozen people were injured early Sunday when a man pulled out a gun during a fight in downtown Athens and opened fire into a crowd.

Athens police are still looking for 21-year-old Pharoah Devonell Williams, who they say started shooting during a dispute in the area of East Clayton and North Jackson streets.

Seven people were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after the incident, which happened about 2 a.m. according to Athens police spokesman Lt. Shaun Barnett.

Authorities said a group of people were involved in a “large fight,” but did not specify how the conflict started.

Police have not said how Williams was identified as a suspect, but said he is considered “armed and dangerous.”

“Williams currently has numerous arrests warrants stemming from this incident,” Barnett said.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact Athens police Detective Scott Black at 762-400-7058 or by email at scott.black@accgov.com.

About the Author

Asia Simone Burns is a watchdog reporter for the AJC. Burns was formerly an intern in AJC’s newsroom and now writes about crime. She is a graduate of Samford University and has previously reported for NPR and WABE, Atlanta’s NPR member station.

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