Father of UGA lacrosse player shot during robbery: 'We're blessed and thankful'

ATHENS, Ga. — The University of Georgia lacrosse player who was shot during a robbery Monday afternoon is doing well, according to his family.

Tate Prezzano, a 22-year-old from Milton, was shot multiple times at a bus stop near campus.

Prezzano’s father, Dobbin Prezzano, said his son was shot in and around the head and neck area. He said his son was able to give him a “thumbs up” Tuesday morning.

“I can tell you, based on what Tate went through, which were gunshots in and around, you know, his head and neck area, we're blessed and thankful for the conversation we’re having today,” Dobbin Prezzano said at a news conference Tuesday morning.

At that same news conference, police announced an arrest in the case. Zarren Garner, 20, was taken into custody overnight in Gwinnett County.

Investigators told Channel 2 Action News that they believe Garner had just robbed another man nearby, and then tried to rob Tate Prezzano.

"He was one of the first guys I met and I knew right away he would be a captain for the team, just that kind of leader," said Mike D’Andraia, a lacrosse coach at Cambridge High School.

Tate Prezzano played for the Cambridge lacrosse team from 2011-2015. He also played football.

D’Andraia said Tate Prezzano always came back to where it all started and always wanted to help the younger guys coming up.

"He coached with me every summer at our youth program, works at my camp every summer. The kids all love him, the parents all love him – just an awesome personality," he said.

The Milton community is praying for Prezzano and they know his strength is the reason why he survived

"Everyone is just really shocked that it can happen to someone you know – everyone is so grateful that he's gonna make a recovery – that’s what we’re being told. I don’t know anybody that ever said a bad word about him, he was just a super great kid. I can’t wait to see him again," he said.

His former teammates that he played with on the field have been up at the hospital showing their support since the shooting.

Their coach said they will all be with him every step of the way.

Cox Media Group