Summerville, GA – Fatal Shooting on Oak Street Leads to Arrest and Felony Charges
SUMMERVILLE, GA – A quiet afternoon in Summerville turned tragic on Friday, June 6, 2025, when a violent altercation in the heart of a residential neighborhood ended in gunfire and the death of a local man. The Summerville Police Department, with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies, has arrested and charged a suspect in what is now being treated as a homicide.
At approximately 12:36 p.m., Summerville officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Oak Street following a report of a gunshot victim in the area. Upon arrival, officers discovered Christopher “DJ” Chapman, 27, of Summerville, lying unresponsive in the roadway. He had sustained a critical gunshot wound to the chest.
Emergency responders immediately transported Chapman to Chattooga ER, where despite the efforts of medical personnel, he was pronounced deceased.
Suspect Apprehended After Fleeing Scene
Through prompt and coordinated investigative efforts, authorities quickly identified Deoveon Price, 24, also of Summerville, as the alleged shooter. According to police, Price fled the scene in his vehicle before officers arrived.
The Summerville Police Department, working in conjunction with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, the Lookout Mountain Drug Task Force, and the Georgia State Patrol, initiated a rapid search effort. Within a short time, Price was located and detained without incident during a traffic stop on Taylors Ridge, where he was found operating a different vehicle than the one originally used to flee.
Details of the Altercation
Investigators believe the fatal encounter was the result of a physical altercation between Chapman and Price. During the confrontation, authorities allege that Price produced a firearm and shot Chapman once in the chest at close range. A motive for the dispute has not been officially disclosed, and the relationship between the two individuals remains under investigation.
Charges Filed Against Price
Following his arrest, Deoveon Price has been formally charged with the following offenses:
- Felony Murder
- Aggravated Assault
- Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime
He is currently in custody, and additional charges could be forthcoming depending on the outcome of the ongoing investigation. It is unclear at this time whether he has obtained legal counsel or when his first court appearance will be scheduled.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
The fatal shooting has left many in the Summerville community shaken. Residents along Oak Street described hearing a loud commotion followed by a single gunshot. Some neighbors attempted to render aid to Chapman before emergency crews arrived.
“This kind of violence is not common here,” said one local resident. “It’s heartbreaking to see someone so young lose their life like this.”
The Summerville Police Department expressed gratitude to the multiple agencies that aided in the swift apprehension of the suspect. In a public statement, officials emphasized the importance of interagency cooperation in solving serious crimes and restoring community safety.
“This tragic event underscores the value of collaboration and the speed at which law enforcement can act when we work together,” said a department spokesperson. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Christopher Chapman.”
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward as detectives continue to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work to piece together the events that led to the deadly confrontation.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Further details will be released as they become available.