Authorities are actively seeking Russell Lee Fortner Jr., 45, in connection with a violent incident that unfolded on April 21, on Milledgeville Road.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has identified the Hephzibah man as a suspect in an aggravated assault that occurred during a confrontation involving a stolen blue pickup truck.
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According to reports, the incident began when Fortner allegedly became involved in a dispute with Lindsay Tranum, which prompted Rodney Walker to intervene. Walker, attempting to defuse the situation, found himself targeted by Fortner, who purportedly threatened him before escalating the conflict.
Deputy James Douglas, who responded to the scene along with fellow law enforcement personnel, detailed the altercation in his report.
“Fortner got in his vehicle, made a circle on the property, and then drove his vehicle head-on into the golf cart that Walker was sitting in,” described Deputy Douglas.
The suspect then backed up and struck Walker’s golf cart a second time, pushing it approximately 10 feet and causing significant damage. The incident was captured on video by Walker using his cell phone, providing crucial evidence for investigators.
Walker, the primary victim, sustained injuries during the assault and required medical attention on-site before being transported to Augusta University Medical Center by Central EMS.
Authorities have issued an alert for Fortner, urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact Investigator Joshua Evans or any on-call investigator at the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office can be reached at 706-821-1085 or 706-821-1020.
