Franklin County Man Arrested After Firing Shots at Residence; Multiple Charges Filed

FRANKLIN COUNTY, GA – On January 6, 2026, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call reporting gunshots fired at a residence in the Gumlog Community. Deputies learned that earlier in the day, an unknown individual drove past the home and fired several shots while two people were sitting on the front porch.

Responding deputies found shell casings in front of the residence and damage consistent with gunfire. Investigators quickly identified a suspect vehicle linked to the incident and determined it may have also been involved in a similar shooting in Lavonia, Hart County.

Search warrants were obtained and executed the evening of January 6, resulting in the arrest of 64-year-old Richard Albert Watkins without incident. Firearms were recovered from his residence. Watkins has been charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime, Discharging a Firearm from a Public Highway, Possession of Marijuana, and Drugs to be Kept in Original Container. Additional charges may follow in connection with the Hart County shooting.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office thanked the Hart County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and local deputies for their swift work in taking Watkins into custody within 12 hours of the incidents.