A Richmond County deputy’s attempt to stop a vehicle Wednesday afternoon led to a brief manhunt on Dean Bridge Road, according to RCSO Chief of Staff Lewis Blanchard.
At approximately 3:45 p.m., a deputy tried to conduct a traffic stop near Magnolia Drive, just south of Church Street. Chief Blanchard said a subject exited the vehicle, dropped a gun, picked it up, and fled into nearby woods.
A short time later, three shots were heard in the area. It was determined those shots were fired into the air by a homeowner who saw the fleeing suspect.
Despite an extensive search, authorities were unable to locate the suspect. Multiple agencies assisted in the search, including RCSO Marshals, Georgia State Patrol, the Department of Natural Resources, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Gordon Police, Hephzibah Police Department, GSP Aviation, and the Georgia Department of Revenue.
Chief Blanchard said the suspect has been identified through technology and assistance from partner agencies, and warrants will be taken out.
