Chaos erupted blocks away from the University of Georgia on Friday when a police officer discharged a firearm at a suspect before a high-speed chase ensued, as per authorities. The confrontation started in the 400 block of Hickman Drive at Bethel Homes, just a stone's throw from the university's north perimeter. Officers attempted to engage 25-year-old Walter McGuire, who decided to flee on foot, Atlanta News First reported.

Detectives quickly determined McGuire was armed, prompting them to pursue. The situation spiraled when McGuire allegedly entered a vehicle and fired his weapon. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), this act provoked at least one officer to hastily return fire. It was a stroke of luck that the exchange did not result in any injuries, WSBTV added.

Following the gunfire, McGuire managed to speed away, sparking a pursuit that led to his eventual arrest. Neither bystanders nor law enforcement were harmed during the harrowing encounter. Post-chase, McGuire was taken into custody and required medical attention before he was booked into the Athens-Clarke Jail. He is currently held on charges including aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, theft by receiving stolen property, obstruction, reckless driving, and additional traffic infractions.

The GBI has taken the helm to thoroughly investigate the shooting, leaving no stone unturned to determine the precise sequence of events. In the meantime, the involved officer is, as standard protocol dictates, placed on administrative leave to possibly reflect on the duty he performed that day. The district attorney's office presiding over Athens-Clarke and Oconee counties will await the GBI's findings before proceeding with any legal actions, according to Atlanta News First.