SUMMERVILLE, GA — Community Shaken After Fatal Oak Street Shooting; Investigation Ongoing
A devastating shooting on the afternoon of Friday, June 6, 2025, has left the Summerville community in mourning as one man was killed and another is in police custody. Local authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to this tragic event.
According to Summerville Police Chief Brian Ozment, officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Oak Street around 12:36 p.m. following reports of a man suffering from a gunshot wound. Upon arrival, they found Christopher Chapman, a local resident, lying unresponsive in the roadway. He had sustained a critical gunshot injury.
Emergency medical personnel rushed Chapman to Chattooga ER, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. News of his death has sent shockwaves through the community, as residents grapple with the sudden loss.
Law enforcement acted swiftly. Within an hour of the shooting, authorities had identified a suspect, and thanks to a coordinated response involving the Summerville Police Department, the Georgia State Patrol, and the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, the individual was apprehended during a traffic stop on Taylor Ridge.
As of Friday evening, the Summerville Police Department, working closely with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), was actively conducting interviews, gathering witness statements, and executing search warrants as part of the broader investigation.
At this time, officials have not released the suspect’s identity, nor have they confirmed the specific charges that will be filed. Authorities emphasized that these details will be shared once the initial phase of the investigation is complete.
The shooting has sparked deep concern among Summerville residents, with community members expressing shock that such violence could erupt in broad daylight in a quiet neighborhood.
Law enforcement officials are asking anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward. Tips and leads can be submitted directly to the Summerville Police Department or the GBI Region One Office. All information will be handled with confidentiality, and the public’s assistance is considered vital to ensuring justice is served.
As the investigation continues, the community is left grieving the loss of Christopher Chapman, while hoping for clarity and accountability in the days ahead. Further updates are expected as investigators finalize their initial findings.