Police Seek Suspect in Trask Drive Shooting Incident

Staff Report

Police are searching for a suspect in a Jan. 9 shooting that left a man hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds.

Officers responded to a 911 call around 3:45 p.m. in the 3900 block of Trask Drive. Upon arrival, they found a male victim who had been shot multiple times. The victim was transported to Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital, where he is listed in stable condition.

The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Marc Whatley, is accused of forcibly entering the victim’s residence, assaulting him and fleeing the scene. Whatley was last seen driving a 2000 green Mercury Grand Marquis with large rims with Georgia license plate "CKC 8878."

Whatley is described as a Black male, approximately 6 feet tall and weighing about 180 lbs. He is wanted on charges of aggravated assault, home invasion (felony), and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Authorities have warned that Whatley should be considered armed and extremely dangerous.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Cpl. K. Baldwin at (706) 225-4337 or Crime Stoppers at (706) 653-3188 to submit an anonymous tip.