Americus Man Charged After AR-15 Incident on Georgia Southwestern State University Campus

An Americus man was taken into custody by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) after being spotted with an AR-15 on the campus of Georgia Southwestern State University. The suspect, identified as 19-year-old Khamani Clayton from Americus, GA, has been charged with carrying weapons within a school safety zone and theft by receiving stolen property, according to the GBI.

On Wednesday, Americus Police were alerted to the presence of an individual with a rifle on the university premises. The investigation, later spearheaded by the GBI, found Clayton on campus in the early hours near dormitory buildings. Reports of Clayton leaving the campus with the firearm led to an active shooter alert, prompting immediate response and a sweep of the area by multiple law enforcement agencies including the GBI, the campus and Americus police, the Sumter County Sheriff's Office, and the Department of Natural Resources, ensuring that there was no threat posed to students. Local enforcement later took Clayton into custody without any conflict erupting.

Authorities reported that no shots were fired and there were no injuries to students during the scare. Clayton was booked at the Sumter County Law Enforcement Center, where the GBI's active and ongoing investigation continues. They have called for anyone with information on the case to get in touch with the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Americus at 229-931-2439 or leave an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), submitting information online, or using the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

The district attorney's office for the Southwestern Judicial Circuit will be given the case file for prosecution once the GBI concludes its investigation. The unexpected appearance of the firearm on campus and the subsequent arrest have raised concerns about campus security and the great lengths gone to by the law enforcement to ensure safety. The GBI's press release on the incident confirms that safety protocols were strictly adhered to throughout the event.