Banks County Manhunt Suspect Captured

A suspect wanted in an alleged crime-spree that spanned five north Georgia counties is now behind bars. Richard Michael Hammett eluded authorities for nearly two weeks. He was captured in Gwinnett County Thursday morning.

Hammett had been on the run since fleeing from Maysville and Banks County authorities on December 27, 2015. Since then, he’s been tied to a series of alleged crimes in Banks, Franklin, Gwinnett, Jackson and Walton Counties.

According to the BCSO, their joint investigation with the Maysville Police Department led to the recovery of “a large amount” of stolen items. The items were taken in several burglaries and entering auto cases in Banks and Jackson Counties and several burglaries in Franklin.

Hammett also is accused of stealing several guns during car break-ins New Year’s Eve in Walton County and a 2005 Kia Spectra hatchback in Gwinnett on January 6, 2016.