A manhunt was under way in north Georgia on Saturday after a veteran McCaysville police captain was shot in the throat while responding to a 911 call late Friday night, authorities said.
Captain Brantley Worley was shot at about 11:10 p.m. Friday and was airlifted to a hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he remained alive but in critical condition, McCaysville police said. Worley’s wife, Jessica, confirmed on Saturday that she was with him in the intensive care unit and said she would stay until he comes home. Police have not released details about what led to the shooting.
Authorities identified the suspect as 26-year-old Timothy Craig Ramsey, who law enforcement described as armed and "extremely dangerous." Ramsey, described as about 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing roughly 185 pounds with long blonde hair and blue eyes, was last seen on 1st Street wearing a green top, dark pants and a dark motorcycle helmet, officials said. The public was urged not to approach him and to call 911 immediately with information that could lead to his arrest.
Ramsey has been charged with aggravated assault with intent to murder a police officer, a charge that officials said could be upgraded if Worley dies. Multiple local, state and federal agencies joined the search, including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Fannin County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations.
McCaysville Chief of Police Otis Earley told local media that Worley suffered a broken neck, brain bleeding and fluid in his lungs. Earley said in a statement that Worley is a dedicated officer who has faithfully served the community and asked residents to keep Worley, his family and the department in their thoughts and prayers.
Worley, who was promoted to captain on July 21 after a 15-year career in law enforcement, is also a certified field training officer and a firearms instructor, the department said. McCaysville is a small town that borders Tennessee; authorities said they were coordinating with neighboring jurisdictions during the search.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp posted a message of sympathy on social media early Saturday, asking residents to join him in praying for the wounded officer and for law enforcement who face danger while protecting communities.
Investigators provided few additional details about the circumstances of the call Worley was responding to or any possible motive for the shooting. Law enforcement personnel continued door-to-door canvassing and other search operations through the morning as they sought Ramsey.
Anyone with information on Ramsey’s whereabouts was asked to contact local law enforcement or call 911. Authorities cautioned the public not to approach the suspect, describing him as potentially armed and dangerous. The investigation remained active and details were expected to evolve as authorities followed up on tips and leads.