A Thursday night shooting at the McMinn Village Apartments in Athens has police urgently searching for 18-year-old Cornelius Raeshaun Hurst, who investigators say opened fire with a rifle and hit an unsuspecting bystander.
Athens Police say the bystander was struck by a projectile and taken to a hospital for treatment. The department has secured warrants charging Hurst with attempted first-degree murder and multiple counts of reckless endangerment and is warning the public that he is considered armed and extremely dangerous.
In a public safety update on Facebook, the City of Athens, Tennessee, said the shooting happened at the McMinn Village complex and confirmed that the victim’s name is being withheld for safety reasons. The post identifies Hurst as the suspect and says investigators used witness statements and video footage to tie him to the gunfire. Anyone with information is urged to call Athens Police at (423) 744-2730 or contact Detective Jason Roberts, according to the City of Athens, Tennessee.
Where It Happened
McMinn Village Apartments is listed at 212 Westside Street in Athens, described in public records as an older multifamily complex with dozens of units. Property listings confirm the 212 Westside Street address and note that the site has also appeared under the name McMinn Villa, with public listings indicating a small, subsidized rental community, per Trulia.
What Police Say
According to investigators, statements and video evidence show a shooter firing a rifle at or near the McMinn Village complex. One bystander was hit, then transported to a hospital for medical care. The department’s post says Hurst “has been charged with attempted first-degree murder” along with multiple reckless endangerment counts and labels him “armed and extremely dangerous.” The post notes that the investigation is still active as authorities try to track Hurst down and take him into custody, per the City of Athens, Tennessee.
Investigation and Public Safety
Detectives are continuing to interview witnesses, review video, and collect physical evidence related to the shooting. The Facebook update did not include any information on an arrest or court filings, which suggests this case is still firmly in the manhunt phase.
Residents have been told not to confront anyone who might match Hurst’s description and instead to call Athens Police at (423) 744-2730 with tips or possible sightings. Investigators are also asking that anyone who has phone video or other relevant footage from the time of the incident hang on to it so it can be reviewed as potential evidence.
Legal Notes
The City of Athens post lists attempted first-degree murder and multiple counts of reckless endangerment as the allegations against Hurst. It does not provide any details about an arrest, a booking date or an initial court appearance. As the case moves forward, prosecutors or McMinn County court records will serve as the official record for formal charges and arraignment dates.
