ATHENS, TENNESSEE- 12/13/2025- Officers with Athens Police Department responded to 322 Lynn Avenue in reference to a domestic altercation between several subjects. During this interaction with law enforcement, one subject was taken into custody, Skyler Farrar of Athens. He was charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and retaliation for past actions.

In the early morning hours on 12/14/2025, Officers were dispatched back out to 322 Lynn Avenue in reference to a shots fired complaint. Upon arrival Officers learned that an unknown suspect driving a white Chrysler PT cruiser fired multiple shots toward the residence striking an outbuilding located on the property.

APD on-call detectives were notified and responded to the scene to assist Patrol. Detective Roberts and Lieutenant Witt assumed command over the scene. A suspect was generated and escorted to the Athens PD with the assistance of McMinn SO. The suspect who was identified as Robert Gaston, was interviewed in regards to the drive-by shooting incident. Legal process was obtained and a weapon believed to be used in the shooting was recovered from his residence in McMinn County. Mr. Robert Gaston was charged with Tampering with Evidence and Resisting Arrest by Athens PD. Further charges are pending on Robert Gaston. No one was injured during the shooting incident. Tennessee Highway Patrol has charges on Mr. Robert Gaston which is unrelated to APDS investigation.

Lieutenant Witt- I would like to thank our Patrol division for their prompt response to the scene and Detective Roberts for his attention to detail on this case. I would also like to thank McMinn County SO for their assistance throughout the case. APD is blessed with a strong supportive staff and an abundance of resources. This not only makes our citizens safer but our guests as well.

Any questions or comments can be directed to Lieutenant Blake Witt with the Athens Police Department at 423-744-2730.