A manhunt is underway in Georgia for a man authorities believe fatally shot a local police officer in retaliation for a recent arrest. Jimmie Lee Steverson, 23, is wanted for the death of Warm Springs Police Sgt. Chris Fisher, who was killed on September 1, 2026.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has issued a Blue Alert for Steverson, who is considered armed and dangerous. The shooting occurred outside the Meriwether Country Inn, approximately 70 miles south of Atlanta.
Officials suspect Steverson targeted Sgt. Fisher because Fisher had arrested him the previous week. Arrest records indicate Steverson was taken into custody on August 29, 2026, on charges including possession/distribution of marijuana and possession of a firearm during a crime, as well as obstruction of officers with threats or violence. Sgt. Fisher was listed as the arresting officer on those charges.
Michael Bishop, a Warm Springs City Councilman, told 11 Alive that he believes the shooting was a direct result of the interaction between Steverson and Fisher. Fisher, a father of two, had joined the Warm Springs Police Department three months prior to the incident and was reportedly following in his father's footsteps, who was also a police officer.
Steverson is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 150 pounds, with black dreadlocks and brown eyes. He was last seen driving a black 2026 Chevrolet Silverado and was reportedly wearing a black t-shirt and black gym shorts.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Steverson's whereabouts to contact 911 or the GBI tip line at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477). Tips can also be submitted through the GBI website or its See Something, Send Something app.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp issued a statement expressing his condolences and highlighting the dangers law enforcement officers face. "This is a tragic reminder of the dangers law enforcement face on a daily basis in service to their communities," Kemp said. "I ask that all Georgians lift up Fisher’s family and his fellow officers in prayer."