UPDATE:

An armada of law enforcement vehicles has left the command post, heading north on Highway 3.

 

The search for a suspect who shot two deputies late Monday night has now moved toward Meigs, after reports that the suspect, Tyler Henderson, broke into a home around 4 a.m. Wednesday but was chased out of the home by its occupant.

OCHLOCKNEE — A search is on for a suspect who shot two Thomas County Sheriff’s deputies late Monday night.

One deputy was struck by a bullet but is reported to be in stable condition at a local hospital, said Thomas County Sheriff’s Capt. Steve Jones. Another deputy was hit in his protective vest.

Three deputies in all were involved in the incident, which began with the serving of a warrant. The third deputy was not injured.

Late Monday night, deputies arrived at an Ellen Steet residence in Ochlocknee to serve a warrant on a probation violation on Tyler Henderson. Henderson opened fire on the deputies, striking two of them. Henderson was on probation for an armed robbery charge. 

“He shot at all three deputies,” Capt. Jones said. 

A multi-agency search for Henderson began. Officers from state agencies and from neighboring local units are assisting Thomas County Sheriff’s deputies.

“We’ve got a team that is doing nothing but investigating and following up on tips,” Jones said. “Everyone else is on the ground.

“The outpouring of support has been tremendous.” 

Capt. Jones advised residents that if they see Henderson to call 911 and not to approach Henderson as he is considered to be armed and dangerous. Henderson is 5-foot-10 and 212 pounds with hazel eyes and brown hair.

The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to Henderson’s arrest. 

Anyone with information is being asked to call the GBI tip line at  1-800-597-8477, the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office at (229) 225-4151 or 911.