The man shot outside a Waffle House in Hephzibah earlier this week has died, and authorities are intensifying their search for the suspect.
According to the Richmond County Coroner’s Office, 23-year-old Antoine Stokes of Martinez, succumbed to his injuries Thursday afternoon at Wellstar MCG Health after being shot at least once on Wednesday. The shooting occurred at the Waffle House located at 103 Talbot Drive near Tobacco Road. Stokes was transported by EMS to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:59 p.m. Thursday, Coroner Mark Bowen said. An autopsy has been scheduled.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has identified Jalen Christopher Thomas, 26, as the suspect in the shooting. Thomas was initially wanted on charges of aggravated assault, and authorities have warned he should be considered armed and dangerous. Warrants have already been issued for his arrest.
Thomas is described as being 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighing 180 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He is known to frequent the Tobacco Road area and Robert C. Daniel Jr. Parkway.
Law enforcement urges anyone with information on Thomas’ whereabouts to contact Investigator Courtland Harris at (706) 821-1455 or reach out to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office at (706) 821-1020 or (706) 821-1080.
Note: If you have a photo of Antoine to share, please text it to 803-487-3224.
