Suspect Identified in Weekend Shooting in Girard

The Burke County Sheriff's Office has named a suspect in a weekend shooting in Girard that left one person in critical condition.

According to the incident report, Deputies Singleton, Plueger and Fletcher were positioned near a large party on Claxton Road when they heard gunshots around 9:30 p.m.  They found one male victim on the ground and began administering aid until EMS could arrive.  The Burke County Sheriff's Office says as many as 500 people had gathered in the area for the party.  "Without the quick action of these 3 deputies, we would be working a homicide instead of an aggravated assault," said Burke County Sheriff Alfonso Williams.

The shooting victim was taken to an area hospital where he remains in critical condition.

Meanwhile, investigators say they are looking for 22-year-old Makaya Ditron Anthony in connection with the shooting.  He's black, 6'0" tall and weighs 170 pounds.  When taken into custody, Anthony will be charged with Aggravated Assault and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime.  Contact the Burke County Sheriff's Office with information at 706-554-6633 or 706-554-2133.