ATHENS, Ga. — The father of a University of Georgia student who was shot in the head at a bus stop in Athens while heading to campus is thanking the community after a break in the case.
Authorities confirmed Tuesday morning that the man accused of robbing and shooting 22-year-old Tate Prezzano had been taken into custody.
Police said they found 20-year-old Zarren Garner in Gwinnett County around 1:40 a.m. after an extensive search and a sketch that was released to the public.
“The two are nearly identical and you cannot underestimate the value of that in this investigation, because it is that sketch coupled with that vehicle that led the public to give us those clues,” said Georgia Bureau of Investigation Agent Mike Ayers.
Garner faces two counts of robbery and aggravated assault – one for the attack on Prezzano and another that happened at an apartment complex on Monday.
Tate’s father, Dobbin Prezzano, updated the public on his son’s condition Tuesday morning.
“He’s doing well,” Dobbin said. “I think the most important thing for everybody to know is he’s getting rest and today we’re looking forward to Tate making some progress.”
He added that Monday was a tough day for the family but that he’s looking forward to seeing his son make small steps to recovery. He also said that doctors will be running several tests to get a better idea of what the future holds.
He took the opportunity to show appreciation for the work of investigators and support of the community.
“First of all, we’d like to thank all the great work that these great men on either side of us have done,” Dobbin said. “I can’t tell you the unbelievable support that we have gotten.”
He said the family even received a call from Governor Brian Kemp regarding the incident.
“We appreciate the governor checking in, not only as a governor of the state of Georgia, but also as a parent of a student here at UGA,” he said.
Dobbin said they were overwhelmed by the support the family had received from law enforcement, healthcare officials, friends, family and the community.
Ayers also spoke up during the meeting, quoting philosopher Edmund Burke.
"'The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing,'" he said. "The community poured out for us yesterday. They contacted us, they put us in the right direction and they gave us the push forward to be able to develop a suspect and to be able to make an arrest in this case."
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