BREAKING: Shots fired, no injuries reported

Published 6:40 pm Monday, May 6, 2013

Reports of gunshots fired at about 4:45 p.m. Monday in a parking lot adjacent to an Athens hotel and restaurant near Interstate 65 did not result in any injuries, according to Athens Police

An out-of-town guest staying at the hotel accidentally vertically discharged his personal firearm, said Police Chief Floyd Johnson.

An employee working inside the restaurant said coworkers had seen the parking lot area roped off with police tape.

“There was no shooting, and no shots fired (at another person). It was man showing off to his friends, and the first shot was an accidental discharge,” Johnson said.

Johnson said no one was hurt, and the incident is under investigation.