Athens Teen Arrested After Downtown Courthouse Shooting

On the morning of October 8, 2025, Athens-Clarke County Police Department officers responded to reports of a shooting near the Clarke County Courthouse in downtown Athens. The incident occurred around 10:40 a.m. when a Clarke County Sheriff’s Office deputy heard a gunshot and saw several people fleeing the area.

Responding officers quickly located a spent shell casing, and with assistance from the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) and local businesses’ security cameras, investigators were able to track the suspect’s movements to the Athens Transit Multimodal Center. From there, detectives identified multiple individuals involved and detained them shortly after.

18-year-old Ladainian Rainwater of Athens was arrested in the 100 block of Sycamore Drive. He faces multiple charges, including Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of Certain Crimes, Reckless Conduct, Battery, and Unlawful Association with a Criminal Street Gang.

Authorities have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Harrison at David.Harrison@accgov.com or 762-400-7361.