An ex-Georgia police officer is in jail after the GBI said he shot his son in the chest and killed him.

Former Chickamauga police Officer Pat Wooten, 58, is in the Catoosa County Jail without bond on a charge of malice murder, according to the GBI.

While officials have not discussed a motive, the Chattanooga Times Free Press reported Wooten and his son had a history of conflict before Saturday’s shooting.

Lance Wooten, 30, was pronounced dead on the scene after Chickamauga police responded to a 911 call in the 1000 block of Hood Avenue just before noon. The GBI said the father lived at the address, which is about 110 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta.

At the time of the deadly shooting, Wooten was a detention officer at the Walker County Jail, the GBI said.

Pat Wooten was placed on administrative leave without pay Saturday, and it went into effect Monday, according to the Walker County Sheriff's Office.

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The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

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