BREAKING: Suspect in Custody After Deadly Shooting Outside Double C Bar in McMinn County
Bar owner killed; suspect arrested after multi-county pursuit
McMINN COUNTY, Tenn. — A tragic and violent scene unfolded just after midnight on Saturday, September 20, 2025, outside the Double C Bar, located west of Athens on Highway 30, where a bar owner was fatally shot and a suspect is now in custody following a swift, multi-agency response.
William Charles Thomas Sullivan, 24, of Athens, has been arrested and charged with murder, according to Sheriff Joe Guy of the McMinn County Sheriff’s Office. The arrest came after a short but intense vehicle pursuit involving officers from McMinn County, the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), and the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office.
The initial altercation began earlier in the evening, when Sullivan was reportedly involved in a disturbance inside the Double C Bar. According to witness accounts, Sullivan had been brandishing a knife and making verbal threats toward other patrons. Bar staff asked him to leave the premises, but the incident was not reported to 911 at the time.
“Based on witness statements, Mr. Sullivan had been asked to leave the bar by the staff after making some threats with a knife, although the threats were not reported to 911 at the time,” said Sheriff Guy during a press briefing. “Sometime later, the suspect returned and fired shots at other bar patrons in the parking lot.”
In the chaos that followed, bar owner Randy Croft confronted the armed suspect. Tragically, authorities believe that Croft was fatally shot during that encounter. Sullivan then allegedly stole Mr. Croft’s truck and fled the scene, prompting a region-wide alert for law enforcement.
A coordinated effort between McMinn County deputies, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, and Meigs County law enforcement led to Sullivan being located and taken into custody following a brief vehicle pursuit. He is currently being held at the McMinn County Jail, where he faces murder charges, with additional charges expected as the investigation continues.
“We appreciate the cooperation of all agencies involved in quickly apprehending the suspect in this incident,” said Sheriff Guy. “Our thoughts are with Mr. Croft’s family at this time. This was a tragic and senseless act of violence.”
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is assisting local authorities in the case, and forensic teams remained at the scene for several hours collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and ballistic evidence to piece together the exact timeline of events leading up to and following the shooting.
The Double C Bar, a locally owned and frequented establishment, is now the site of a devastating loss. Friends, patrons, and members of the Athens community have already begun posting tributes online remembering Randy Croft, described as a “pillar of the community,” a “hardworking businessman,” and someone who “looked out for everyone who walked through his doors.”
Community leaders and residents have expressed their shock and sorrow over the tragedy. Athens Mayor [Insert name if available] issued a statement expressing condolences to the Croft family and praising law enforcement’s quick response.
“We stand with the family and friends of Randy Croft and thank our law enforcement agencies for their rapid coordination and professionalism. Our city mourns with you.”
As of now, William Charles Thomas Sullivan remains in custody with no bond. Authorities have not released a possible motive beyond the initial altercation, but the investigation remains active.
Anyone with additional information about the events at the bar or Sullivan’s movements before and after the shooting is urged to contact the McMinn County Sheriff’s Office or TBI.
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