Breaking: Sean 'Diddy' Combs acquitted of most serious charges, convicted of a prostitution-related offense
Crime & Public Safety
Crime & Public Safety

Ex-Georgia cop accused of shooting, killing his son

Pat Wooten (Credit: Chattanooga Times Free Press)
Pat Wooten (Credit: Chattanooga Times Free Press)
By Lauren Foreman
May 9, 2017

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.

MORE COVERAGE: Detentions officer, son had history of conflict leading up to 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.

In other news:

Parents Left Toddler Home Alone To Get Pizza

About the Author

Lauren Foreman
More Stories

The Latest

Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat leaves a Fulton County courtroom on Thursday, October 31, 2024. Labat filed a lawsuit against the Fulton County Board of Commissioners over control of his budget. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Sheriff showdown: Georgia lawmen’s lawsuits latest salvo in budget fight

27-year-old drowns in Lake Lanier amid birthday celebration

Child struck in Father’s Day shootout between 2 vehicles, Smyrna police say

Featured

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Credit: AP

Senate GOP passes budget bill Democrats describe as ‘a catastrophe’

Republicans in the U.S. Senate have passed the “big, beautiful bill” championed by President Donald Trump, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tiebreaking vote.

State Farm Arena top 5 globally in box office — behind only Sphere, MSG in U.S.

State Farm Arena brought in about $76.2 million across 60 events.

At a store that never closes, an armed comedian keeps the midnight watch

At JJ Food Mart on the west side of Atlanta, an armed comedian keeps the midnight watch. If you misbehave, Connell Daniels Jr. might put you on Instagram.