Police in Georgia launched a manhunt Friday for an armed and dangerous suspect accused of shooting McCaysville Police Captain Brantley Worley in the throat, leaving the officer in critical condition, local media reported.
Authorities identified the suspect as Timothy Craig Ramsey, 26. The shooting occurred as Worley responded to a 911 call in the small north Georgia town, according to WTOC. Officials have not released detailed information about the interaction that led to the shooting.
Worley sustained severe injuries, including a broken neck, brain bleeding and fluid in his lungs, WTOC reported. He was airlifted to a hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and remained in the intensive care unit, the report said.
Neighbors and local reports described Ramsey as aggressive and violent. One neighbor told Atlanta First News that Ramsey had a reputation for confrontations, and another said Ramsey once fired at a neighbor's windows believing he had killed a cat, the outlet reported. Law enforcement officials warned the public that Ramsey should be considered armed and dangerous as the search continued.
Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp posted on X asking Georgians to join him and his family in praying for Worley and for law enforcement, saying they face danger regularly while protecting communities.
Law enforcement agencies conducting the manhunt have so far not released information about possible charges or whether Ramsey has a criminal history beyond media accounts and neighbor statements. Investigators and officials have urged anyone with information to contact local authorities.
The shooting has drawn attention to the risks faced by officers responding to emergency calls in small communities. Authorities said the investigation and search were ongoing; no arrests had been reported as of the latest local updates.
Officials did not provide a timeline for when more details, including a motive or charges, would be released. Local media said the case remains active and that additional information would be shared as it becomes available.