A manhunt is underway for a 29-year-old man suspected of shooting a Georgia sheriff’s deputy early Monday.
ABC News reports that wanted fugitive Dalton Potter, who is also wanted in Texas, was driving a stolen trailer when he was pulled over for a traffic stop. Sometime during the stop, Potter fired several shots at Whitfield County Sheriff’s Deputy Darrell Hackney, according to the Georgie Bureau of Investigation.
Hackney was not seriously injured because he was wearing a ballistics vest and was able to return fire along with a fellow deputy; however, Potter was ultimately able to escape.
”Thank goodness that his vest protected him,” Whitfield County Sheriff Scott Chitwood said of the incident. ”He was treated and released at the hospital last night. Had a burning sensation, little abrasion but overall fine, right below the rib cage.”
Potter fled south on Interstate 75 and later crashed near the Whitfield County-Gordon County line and fled on foot.
Potter is considered armed and dangerous, and is facing a charge of aggravated assault on a deputy.
In the meantime, another fugitive, Jonathan Hosmer, was also identified in connection to the shooting. But, according to Daily News, he has been taken into custody.
The GBI is investigating an officer involved shooting in Whitfield County. A Whitfield County Deputy was shot by Dalton Potter, age 29, but his ballistic vest prevented serious injury. Potter (pic attached) escaped and is considered armed & dangerous. https://t.co/SSv4P6hOHZ pic.twitter.com/gSIh7Ak8IJ
— GA Bureau of Investigation (@GBI_GA) September 7, 2020
