ATHENS, Ga. (AP) - Authorities arrested a suspect Tuesday in the shooting of a University of Georgia student during a robbery attempt at a bus stop near campus.
Zarren Garner, 20, was taken into custody in Gwinnett County on suspicion of armed robbery and aggravated assault after a sketch of the suspect generated tips from the public and law enforcement, Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Cleveland Spruill said. Spruill said Garner had a "low level criminal background," but declined to elaborate, and said authorities had a prior encounter with him.
The victim, Tate Prezzano, 22, suffered gunshot wounds to his head and neck area in Monday's attack, but was recovering, his father, Dobbin Prezzano, said at a news conference announcing the arrest.
"Based on what Tate went through, which was gunshots in and around his head and neck area, we're blessed and thankful for the conversation that we're having today that could have been a lot different," Dobbin Prezzano said.
Garner robbed another student of a cellphone before attempting to rob Tate Prezzano at a nearby bus stop, police said.
Jail records did not indicate whether Garner had an attorney, and Athens-Clarke County police spokesman Geoffrey Gilland said he did not know.
Officers who responded to the shooting found Tate Prezzanno with life-threatening wounds and began first aid, police said. Police put out a description of the suspect and a vehicle he was driving. Tate Prezzano is a lacrosse player from a northern Atlanta suburb.
Dobbin Prezzano said the family had been through an "extremely difficult" time, but was grateful for the support it received, including a call from Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.