ATHENS, TN – A local man faces a first-degree murder charge after authorities allege he fatally shot a bar owner in the aftermath of a confrontation outside a local bar, then led law enforcement on a brief vehicular pursuit.
William Charles Thomas Sullivan, 24, was arrested over the weekend following the shooting death of Randy Croft, owner of the Double CC Bar and Grill. The incident unfolded late Friday night along Highway 30 West, where law enforcement officers from multiple agencies responded to reports of gunfire.
Investigators say the confrontation began when Sullivan was asked to leave the bar after reportedly brandishing a knife and making threats towards others inside. Staff removed Sullivan from the premises, but no immediate call was made to emergency services regarding the incident with the knife, authorities said.
Shortly after his ejection from the bar, Sullivan allegedly retrieved a handgun and returned to the premises. Witnesses described chaos erupting in the parking lot as Sullivan fired multiple shots, prompting Croft to intervene. When the bar owner confronted him, Sullivan is accused of firing the shots that proved fatal.
According to law enforcement, after the shooting, Sullivan took Croft’s vehicle and sped away from the scene. Officers from surrounding departments engaged in a pursuit that ended in a neighboring county, where Sullivan was apprehended.
Court records indicate that during questioning, Sullivan claimed the shooting was not intentional. He told investigators he had returned to the bar to use a restroom in the nearby woods and that, while traversing rough terrain, he accidentally discharged his firearm. He also alleged that a thrown beer bottle startled him, causing further accidental gunfire.
Sullivan reportedly changed his explanation regarding Croft’s death, stating that Croft displayed a firearm during their encounter, which prompted Sullivan to react by firing at him. Investigators, however, noted that no weapon was discovered on Croft’s person.
Authorities allege Sullivan continued to fire his weapon until it was empty, at which point he reloaded and discharged more rounds. In the aftermath, Sullivan told police he took Croft’s gun and vehicle keys before fleeing as emergency sirens drew closer.
Sullivan further stated he may have thrown Croft’s firearm out of the car window during the pursuit, claiming he suffered a panic attack while being chased by police.
At present, Sullivan remains in custody at the McMinn County Justice Center without bond. Officials indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues. An arraignment is scheduled for October 2.