Road Rage Likely Cause of Friday’s Bypass Shooting, Says Sheriff

Road rage is thought to be the motive for the gunman who opened fire on Hwy-17 bypass Friday afternoon.

That’s according to Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley. He says the shooting began just before 1 p.m.

Shirley said that investigators were able to collect spent shell-casings and one projectile from a tractor trailer truck that was struck after the gunman opened fire. He adds that another victim, who had been shot at, followed the shooter towards Eastanollee.

Once on DeFoor Road, the shooter was able to evade the victim who was following him.

Because they had no sights on the suspect, Shirley contacted Stephens County School Superintendent Bryan Dorsey to place all the schools on lockdown.

He said this was a precaution he felt needed to be taken with the shooter being so close to the schools.

Shortly after dispatch was alerted, the Sheriff said he received a phone call from an employee with the Department of Juvenile Justice who was able to provide information regarding the identity of the suspect.

This information lead law enforcement to the suspect’s residence. After obtaining a search warrant, deputies uncovered the truck and pontoon that the suspect had initially been driving.

Deputies arrested Arthur Downs, of Toccoa, . He is currently being held in the Stephens County Jail without bond. Downs will appear before the magistrate court on Monday, May 6, for his first appearance hearing.

WNEG News will continue to follow this story and bring you additional details as they become available.