Columbus police thank technology for quick arrest in teenager's death

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) – We have the latest update on the tragic case of a 15-year-old boy who was shot and killed as he got off his school bus in Columbus Thursday afternoon.

Columbus police made an arrest within hours of the incident and attributed the quick arrest to new technology, but they also have a warning for parents tonight.

Roannnil Clanton, 20, is now in police custody following the shooting that left 15-year-old Earkavion Lee dead. The teenager was brutally shot as he got off the school bus.

“It's sad. It's really terribly sad that a child in Georgia, or in the entire United States, cannot feel safe just going to school,” said Police Chief Greg Arp of the Muscogee County School District.

Arp's agency was the first to respond after 15-year-old Earkaivion Lee was shot and killed Thursday at the corner of Watkins and Wilkins Drive in Columbus.

“And it's terrible. My deepest sympathies go out to the families affected. It's really, really tragic,” he added.

Clanton is now charged with murder and six counts of aggravated assault.

“Six counts of aggravated assault involve individuals who were in the area at the time of the shooting,” said Columbus Deputy Police Chief Lance Deaton.

Columbus Police have taken over the investigation and were spotted in the area Friday morning. The police department attributes this to new technology that allowed an arrest to be made within a few hours Thursday evening.

“We have been using some of our more current police technology, along with some of our partner agencies, to assist in these investigations,” Deaton added.

In addition, people who live and work in the area have expressed their willingness to assist law enforcement in any way possible.

John Williams, the owner of nearby apartments, recently purchased Flock cameras and hopes they can record videos of the shooters and help solve the crime.

“the ability to come together as a community and, if you will, be problem solvers rather than problem makers.”

Officials say they do not know the exact reason for Lee's shooting, but are urging parents to take better care of their children.

Police also said they expected further arrests in this case.

Clanton is scheduled to appear in Recorder's Court at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, September 24.

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