CORDELE, Ga. — A man opened fire on in a restaurant Saturday night wounding four people, according to Cordele Police.
They say it happened around 10:30 p.m. at the 16 East Bar and Grill.
Four people were taken to Crisp Regional Hospital for gunshot wounds, and three remain in the hospital.
Crisp County Deputies and Georgia State Patrol helped manage the scene and locate the shooter.
Cordele Police identified him as 42-year-old Bryant Lamar Collins. He now faces four counts of aggravated assault, the GBI says. Investigators say Collins had to be identified by fingerprints because he was unwilling to cooperate with officers.
GBI Special Agent Joe Chesnut said that Collins had been at the bar for at least an hour. Sunday, law enforcement said Collins was from Michigan, but the GBI now believe he is from Davenport, Florida.
Chesnut says they don’t know why he was in Cordele or how long he was in the area.
The GBI says three victims are still in the hospital. The other has been treated and released.
Chesnut commended Crisp County Sheriff's Office, Cordele Police, and other agencies who responded Saturday night.
"They did what they were supposed to do. They didn't hesitate, went into the facility, assessed the situation, rendered aid, and took the guy in custody," Chesnut said.
The restaurant has released a statement about the shooting, thanking the community for its support:
"We want to thank our neighbors and community for their support during this time.
What happened Saturday night was a tragic, senseless act of violence that was beyond our control. The police have arrested the sole person responsible. Any questions regarding the investigation should be directed to them
Our hearts are heavy that something of this nature has occurred at our establishment.
We continue to pray for those involved, the victims, our customers, our employees, and all of the guests that witnessed this terrible incident.
We are open for business today, and hope to be able to continue to serve our community as we have for years."
The GBI is leading the investigation, and anyone with more information about the case can call the Cordele Police Department at (229)-276-2921 or non-emergency 911 at (229)-276-2690, the GBI Region 3 Office at (229)-931-2439 or the GBI Tipline at 1-800-597-8477.
13WMAZ will provide updates as soon as they are available.
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