Griffin Woman Arrested in Connection with Recent Shootings

A Griffin woman has been arrested in connection with two recent shootings in Spalding County, Georgia, and is also a possible suspect in a similar shooting in Clayton County. Darlene Harden, 46, has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of criminal trespass, and two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. Additional charges may be pending, and she is currently being held without bond in the Spalding County Jail.

The first shooting occurred on July 9, when a 29-year-old male was shot in the chest and back while stopped at a traffic light. The victim reported being hit by one of several rounds fired by an unidentified individual in a small SUV-type vehicle. Two witnesses stopped to help the victim, but did not see the actual shooting.

The second incident took place on June 19, when shots were fired at another vehicle. The victim, who was on her way to work, reported a white Challenger or Charger turning in front of her and slowing down. As she turned onto Birdie Road, she heard several gunshots. Three shots struck her vehicle, and she did not report the incident until later that day.

Investigators were able to link the white Challenger to Harden, who admitted to firing the shots in both incidents during an interview with investigators. Harden was out on bond from another shooting incident in Griffin at the time of these shootings.

Search warrants have been executed at Harden’s residence, and evidence, as well as the suspect vehicles, have been recovered. The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office is working with the Clayton County Police Department to investigate a similar unsolved shooting that may also be connected to Harden.

Contrary to rumors circulating on social media, the shootings are not gang-related, and there is no evidence to support such claims. The victims in these incidents did not know Harden and have no connection to her. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the shootings or the Clayton County incident to contact the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office..