Man Killed In Athens Police Shooting ID'ed

ATHENS, GA — Authorities have identified the man killed in a recent police shooting in Athens.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday said the shooting happened around 12:45 a.m., May 12, in the 1000 block of Hull Road.

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Athens-Clarke County Police responded after a 911 caller reported at least one gunshot had been fired, the GBI said.

When officers arrived, authorities said officers found the man matching the caller's description.

The officers gave the man commands to put down a gun, but the GBI said the man refused to comply.

The man then pointed the gun to his head, the GBI said. He fired the gun, and an officer fired their service weapon, the GBI said.

The man was shot and was pronounced dead at the scene, the GBI said. Authorities did not say which gunshot killed the man.

On Wednesday, authorities identified him as Joe Baythavong, 33, of Hoschton.

No officers were injured the shooting, authorities said.

Once the GBI's investigation is complete, the case file will be given to the Northern Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office for review.

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