A 17-year-old Alabama resident has been arrested and charged in connection with a drive-by shooting that occurred earlier this month near the Georgia-Alabama state line on Highway 48.

According to Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader, Ricky Paul Hawkins, 17, was arrested on June 11 and charged with drive-by shooting, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Investigators said the incident began at RJ’s Mountain Top Store when Hawkins and others traveling with him allegedly approached another customer and asked him to purchase alcohol for them.

Sheriff Schrader said the customer refused the request, leading to a verbal exchange between the parties.

Authorities allege that as the customer was leaving, the suspects drove past his vehicle and a shot was fired, striking the front driver’s side fender area of the victim’s pickup truck.

The victim reportedly saw a muzzle flash but did not immediately realize his vehicle had been struck by a bullet. After arriving home, he discovered a bullet hole in the truck’s quarter panel.

Sheriff Schrader noted that the trajectory of the shot could have resulted in far more serious consequences.

“It was at an angle that if it would have been about 12 to 14 inches higher, it could have easily struck the victim sitting in the driver’s seat,” Schrader said.

Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from the convenience store that reportedly captured interactions between the suspect and the victim prior to the shooting.

The investigation remains ongoing, and Sheriff Schrader said additional charges could be filed against other individuals who were riding in the vehicle with Hawkins at the time of the shooting.

The case also highlights a difference between Georgia and Alabama juvenile justice laws. Schrader noted that while Hawkins is considered a juvenile under Alabama law, he will face adult charges in Georgia.

“This is odd. He is considered a juvenile in Alabama, but an adult here,” Schrader said.

Schrader further stated that Hawkins was reportedly charged in Valley Head, Alabama, a few days after the Highway 48 incident in connection with alleged drug and weapons offenses.

Hawkins remains charged in Chattooga County as investigators continue to review evidence and determine whether additional charges should be brought against others involved in the incident.