Athens, GA (October 27, 2019) – On Saturday, October 26, 2019, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was requested by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department to investigate an officer involved shooting.

Preliminary information indicates that on October 26, 2019, just before 9:00 p.m., two Athens-Clarke County Police Officers responded to a domestic disturbance between neighbors in The Oaks Apartments off Gaines School Road.  After meeting with the person calling 911, officers drove through the complex searching for the other party of the dispute identified as Nan Zhao, age 45, of Athens. Once the two officers located Zhao, they attempted to speak with him. Zhao ignored the officers’ commands and took cover behind a dumpster. He opened fire on the officers with a handgun. Both officers returned fire, striking Zhao at least once. Zhao was treated on scene, but later died at the hospital.

An autopsy will be conducted on Zhao at the GBI Crime Lab in Decatur.  No officers were injured in the incident.

The GBI will continue its independent investigation. Once complete, it will be turned over to the Western Judicial Circuit District Attorney for review. 

Contact Information:

Nelly Miles - Public Affairs Director - 404/270-8330