Man Charged After Gunfire Erupts at Large Gathering in Lee County

LEE COUNTY, Ga. — A Lee County man has been arrested on an aggravated assault charge after investigators say he returned to a neighborhood gathering armed with a rifle and opened fire, prompting others to return gunfire.

Deputies with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office responded at approximately 9:14 p.m. on June 7 to the 100 and 200 blocks of Autumn Leaf Drive after receiving multiple reports of a shooting in progress.

When deputies arrived, they encountered a large gathering and found one person suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

During the investigation, deputies interviewed witnesses, reviewed security camera footage and collected physical evidence from the scene.

According to investigators, witnesses reported that Jeffrey Tyler Kinzer had been involved in a verbal confrontation with individuals attending the gathering. Witnesses told deputies that Kinzer later returned on foot carrying an AR-style rifle and wearing body armor.

Investigators said witnesses reported that Kinzer fired toward the gathering and that multiple individuals then returned fire in his direction.

Authorities said Kinzer acknowledged his involvement in the shooting during interviews with deputies.

Investigators later executed a search warrant at Kinzer’s residence, where they recovered an AR-style rifle and body armor believed to be connected to the incident.

Evidence collected at the scene indicated that multiple firearms were discharged during the exchange of gunfire, and several vehicles were struck by bullets.

Following his release from the hospital, Kinzer was arrested and charged with aggravated assault under Georgia law. He was transported to the Lee County Jail. Investigators said additional charges are pending.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office believes there may be additional witnesses, victims or other individuals involved in the incident who have not yet been identified or interviewed.

Investigators are also asking residents in the area to review any available security camera footage recorded between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on June 7. Anyone with information or video related to the incident is asked to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 229-759-6012.

The investigation remains active and ongoing.