Suspect Opened Fire on Stephens County, GA Deputies

The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office in Toccoa, GA, responded to a suspicious person complaint on Friday afternoon and were met with gunfire. The incident began when complainants in the area of Valley Drive reported a male walking with a rifle. As deputies encountered the suspect, he opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle, striking two Sheriff’s Office cruisers and grazing one deputy with a bullet. The suspect fled on foot, throwing his weapon in a wooded area and shedding his clothing in the process. Deputies returned fire and were able to track and locate the suspect a short distance away with the help of a Sheriff’s Office K9. The suspect, who’s identity has not yet been released, was taken into custody without further incident. Sheriff Randy Shirley stated that the deputies recovered two clips from what appears to be an AR-15 rifle. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.