GBI Investigating Sunday Police Involved Shooting In Athens

ATHENS, GA —The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) announced Monday that it is investigating an officer involved shooting that took place Sunday morning in Athens' Walker Park.

According to a release, the request came from the Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD) shortly after its officers were involved in the shooting death of Juan Joseph Daniele Castellano, a 38-year-old Athens resident, who was allegedly involved in a carjacking at gunpoint, and who then failed to drop his weapon and surrender when confronted by police.

The GBI said preliminary information shows that at approximately 10:40 a.m., ACCPD officers responded to multiple 911 calls about a man with a gun at Walker Park, 200 Trail Creek St.

At the scene, officers learned Castellano had carjacked a person at gunpoint. When officers located the stolen vehicle, Castellano emerged with a long gun and began shouting demands at the officers.

The officers gave numerous commands to surrender, according to the GBI's preliminary information, but Castellano refused to comply. Shots were fired and Castellano died at the scene. No officers or civilians were injured.

According to the GBI, an autopsy will be performed at the GBI Crime Lab.

The GBI said the initial investigation also shows Castellano is suspected of an armed robbery that occurred minutes before the carjacking. Plus, Castellano is suspected of having threatened several park attendees, including children, with a firearm.

Once the investigation is completed, the GBI said it will provide its findings to the Western Judicial Circuit District Attorney for review.