Man Accused Of Shooting Bar Owner After Getting Kicked Out: Claims Shots Were “Accidental”

Tennessee authorities arrested a man on multiple charges after he allegedly fatally shot a bar owner. He claims he fired his gun multiple times “accidentally.”

What happened: A news release by McMinn County Sheriff Joe Guy explains that the incident occurred at the Double C Bar west of Athens just after midnight on September 20.

• Authorities believe the suspected shooter, 24-year-old William Charles Thomas Sullivan, was at the bar earlier in the evening. He was allegedly involved in an incident where someone used a knife.
• Sheriff Guy explained, “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.”
• The Sheriff reveals that Sullivan later allegedly fired shots at other bar patrons in the parking lot. Randy Croft, the bar owner, reportedly confronted Sullivan. The suspect allegedly responded by fatally shooting Croft, taking his truck, and fleeing the scene.
• A brief chase ensued, and officers apprehended Sullivan in Meigs County. Authorities are now holding him in McMinn County Jail on charges of murder, with additional charges pending the investigation.

Sullivan Claims He Fired At The Bar Accidentally

Multiple accidental shots: 9 ABC cites an arrest affidavit that reveals more details about the altercation. Sullivan reportedly acknowledged to investigators that he was with his girlfriend at the bar earlier in the day. He also admitted to being banned from the establishment and the knife incident.

• Sullivan stated he retrieved a gun from his girlfriend’s car. He then carried it to a restroom near the bar. The suspect then claimed he fell into a ditch, which caused him to shoot his handgun several times accidentally. He reportedly stated that those bullets may have hit cars or the building.
• Per 9 ABC, the affidavit says that someone threw a bottle at Sullivan, causing him to “accidentally shoot his gun a few more times.” Sullivan reportedly told authorities that Croft “displayed a small handgun.” The suspect claims he fired several shots at the bar owner and didn’t know if they returned fire.
• Sullivan told investigators he panicked when he heard sirens and grabbed Croft’s weapon before fleeing. He stated he may have had a panic attack during the chase, where he threw Croft’s gun out of the window.

9 ABC reports that patrons have left candles and flowers outside the bar entrance. An investigation remains ongoing.