A man is in custody after a vehicle pursuit ended in Candler County and led to an overnight search of the armed individual.
Around 9:40 P.M. on September 29, the Candler County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a vehicle pursuit on Interstate 16 from Laurens County. The Candler County Sheriff’s Office responded to the interstate to assist both the Georgia State Patrol and Treutlen County Sheriff’s Office deputies. While en route, deputies were notified that the pursuit had ended around mile marker 97 and gun shots had been fired. The armed suspect had fled on foot.
A perimeter was established as deputies requested additional support. Multiple agencies responded to assist, including tactical teams, canine teams, helicopters, and search drones.
An extensive ground and air search was conducted of the area and a Code Red alert was sent out to area residents and on social media warning citizens of the incident.
Around 8:00 A.M. on September 30, the Candler County Sheriff’s Office received a tip from someone in the search area that observed a suspicious person. Candler County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Georgia State Patrol Trooper responded and the suspect, identified as 28-year-old Anthony McQuarters, was arrested and transported to the Candler County Jail.
In a news release, Sheriff John Miles thanked everyone who assisted in the incident, including law enforcement partners and the citizens that called in the tips.
Agencies assisting with the incident were Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office, Statesboro Police Department, Georgia State Patrol, Treutlen County Sheriff’s Office, Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office, Metter Police Department, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia Southern University Police Department, Metter Fire Rescue, Candler County EMS, and Candler County Emergency Management Agency.
