GBI investigates officer-involved shooting in Athens

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Athens at the request of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, according to a GBI press release.

The GBI said John Weeks, 44, of Athens, was shot and injured in the incident. The agency said no officers were injured.

According to the release, on July 27 at about 4:30 p.m., a Homeless Day Service Center employee noticed a man yelling outside the front door of the center at 240 North Avenue in Athens.

The GBI said the man was later identified as Weeks and was holding knives in each hand. The release said an ACCPD officer working in an off-duty capacity at the center was asked for assistance and contacted ACCPD for additional officers.

After additional officers arrived, officers approached Weeks and gave verbal commands for him to drop the knives, according to the GBI. The agency said Weeks refused to comply, began taking steps toward the officers, and one officer shot him.

Weeks was taken to a local hospital for treatment and was in critical condition, according to the release.

The GBI said it will conduct an independent investigation and will give the completed case file to the Northern Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.