An Athens man has been arrested in connection with the armed robbery and shooting of a UGA student. During a press conference at the Athens-Clarke Police Department, authorities announced details of the arrest of 20-year old Zarren Garner of Athens.
Dobbin Prezzano, the father of 22-year old victim Tate Prezzano spoke about the support his family has received.
“We’d like to thank all of the great work that these great men on either side of us have done,” Prezzano said. “We can’t tell you all the unbelievable support that we have gotten, we’ve gotten great communication from Mike Ayers from GBI, Chief Spruill from Athens-Clarke County Police Department. I think there was some assistance from FBI and Secret Service and even went up the chain to the governor. We received a call from Governor Brian Kemp last night.”
Prezzano says Tate is doing well and he is expected to undergo testing today. The UGA lacrosse player was shot multiple times in the head and neck area.
"I can tell you that based on what Tate went through, which were 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, father of shooting victim, Tate Prezzano.
Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Cleveland Spruill made the announcement of Garner’s arrest during that press conference.
“Few incidents could be more concerning than a young man standing at the bus stop waiting to go to college who is accosted by an armed assailant robbed and shot. Around 1:40 this morning, our team led us to an address in Gwinnett County and we arrested 20-year old Zarren Garner.”
In addition to Dobbin Prezzano, Tate’s mother Carmen Dabney, her husband Dean Dabney and Tate’s stepmother Chris Prezanno attended the presser.
Garner is currently being held without bond in the Clarke County Jail. He is charged with two counts of Armed Robbery and two counts of Aggravated Assault.
