Authorities will announce later today the arrest of the man suspected in today's drive-by shooting of a motorcyclist on U.S. 72 East.
Athens Police Chief Floyd Johnson said during a press conference about 5:15 p.m. that the suspect — who will be charged with attempted murder — confessed to shooting the cyclist. The chief declined to relate the reasons for the shooting but said police do not believe the cyclist knew the alleged shooter and that the incident was not an incidence of "road rage."
The victim — described by police only as a white man in his 20s — was in stable condition at Huntsville Hospital late Monday afternoon with two bullet wounds — one in right, lower back and one in his right shoulder, Johnson said. The chief declined to name the victim.
Johnson said the suspect, also in his 20s, was driving a green SUV in the lane next to the cyclist when he shot him with a "medium-sized" handgun, possibly a .22-caliber.
He declined to disclose, at this time, what led investigators to the suspect.
The chief described the shooting as "totally bizarre and out of character for our community," adding that people "have to be careful at all times."
Johnson said "(the cyclist) did not see him coming and there was nothing he could do."
State and Nation
Related Photos
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Paramedics transport a shooting victim to MedFlight Monday at the shooting range near the intersection of U.S. 72 and Mooresville Road. News Courier/Jean Cole
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Authorities: Arrest of suspect in drive-by shooting to be announced
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