HABERSHAM COUNTY, Ga. — One suspect is in custody and another remains at large after a multi-agency manhunt Tuesday near the Stephens-Habersham county line.
According to authorities, U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officers attempted to stop a vehicle for traffic violations along GA 365/Toccoa Bypass. Officials said the vehicle fled for a short distance before both occupants abandoned the vehicle and ran into nearby woods on foot.
The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Forest Service personnel and Georgia Department of Natural Resources game wardens, launched a search in the area of GA 365 and Rock Road. K-9 units were deployed to help track the suspects.
Authorities described the suspects as two Hispanic males wearing blue jeans. Officials said the driver was wearing a multi-colored hoodie, while the passenger was wearing a gray shirt or hoodie.
At approximately 9:10 p.m., Stephens County 911 received a report of suspicious persons on Trestle Ridge Road. About four minutes later, deputies located the driver walking along the Toccoa Bypass, the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office said.
The driver was arrested and turned over to U.S. Forest Service custody.
Law enforcement officers continued searching for the passenger until about 11:20 p.m. on May 4, but were unable to locate him. Authorities said a BOLO, or “be on the lookout” alert, remains active for the passenger.
