Sheriff Chuck Smith reported that on September 27, 2015 around 0251 am Meriwether County Sheriff Deputies along with other emergency services personnel responded to 1140 Hill Haven Road, Greenville, Georgia in reference to a report of several subject’s being shot at the location. Said address formally known as Club CJ, currently being referred to as Hill Haven Event Center.
“Once our patrol units arrived on the scene they discovered that they had three individuals at the location that had been shot. As the investigation continued to unfold we learned that there were additional individuals that had left the location by personal vehicles and went to area hospitals for treatment of gunshot wounds. We have identified a total of 10 individuals that were shot in regard to this incident. Eight of the injured persons were treated at West Georgia Medical Center in LaGrange, Ga. One person was treated at Piedmont Hospital in Newnan, Ga. and one was treated at the Columbus Regional Hospital in Columbus, Ga. There were 5 black females, 4 black males and 1 white male that were injured during this incident occurrence. Injuries sustained ranged from gunshot wounds to their arms, legs, feet, shoulder and one that was grazed in the head. The age range of the persons shot at this time is from 16 years of age to 29 years of age. We had one person shot with a West Point, Ga. address, one from Hogansville, Ga., one from Senoia, Ga., one with a Greenville, Ga. address and the remaining six gave LaGrange, Ga. addresses. All injuries have been reported as non-life threatening and at this time all persons shot have been treated and released from the medical facilities.” Sheriff Smith advised.
“We called in the GBI Crime Scene Unit to assist us in processing the crime scene while our investigators responded to area hospitals to interview the persons shot. The initial incident occurred within the confines of the building which was occupied according to information received by a very large crowd. Our investigators determined through witness statements that an altercation occurred involving several subjects over illegal gambling that was taking place in the back portion of the building. The verbal altercation escalated with at least several suspects pulling handguns and firing multiple rounds within the confines of the building. These indiscriminate shots resulted in multiple individuals being struck. Many of the patrons of this establishment fled the scene prior to law enforcement arrival. Our investigation has revealed that this establishment was also in violation of its permit of operation through building and zoning. At this time our investigators are tracking down leads into the positive identification of the black male shooters involved in this incident.” Sheriff Smith stated.
“I have made contact with Meriwether County Government Officials including the Building and Zoning Department related to this event location. On the outset of this investigation it is evident that the location is not operating within the confines of its operational license. The majority of these persons shot are not residents of Meriwether County, Ga. No community should be subject to this type of violence and my agency is going to do all that we can under the law to prevent this from occurring in this community again. I am requesting that the County Government close this facility from further operation at this time. All those identified as responsible will be prosecuted under the law for their involvement in this incident. I appreciate the assistance of the Greenville Police Department on the initial response to the call for service along with Meriwether County Emergency Services. I also appreciate the GBI Crime Scene Unit for their assistance with processing the crime scene and the Troup County Sheriff’s Office assisting my investigators at West Georgia Medical Center with the multitude of subjects being treated for gunshot wounds at that medical facility. If anyone has any information related to this incident contact the Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office at (706) 672-4489.” Sheriff Smith advised.