A Clarkesville man is back behind bars following a manhunt Friday outside of Clarkesville.
Authorities charged Damion Thomas Mauldin, 21, with first-degree burglary, aggravated stalking, and second-degree criminal damage to property, all felonies. They also charged him with two counts of battery, criminal trespass, and obstruction.
Georgia Department of Corrections K9 officers located him in the restroom at a convenience store on Highway 115 at Habersham Mill Connector just after 2:30 Friday afternoon.
The hours-long ground and aerial search focused on the triangle between Highway 17, Georgia 115, and Habersham Mill Connector, where Mauldin was last seen.
Reported home invasion
Friday’s incident started as a reported home invasion off Highway 17 near Victory Baptist Church at 10:18 a.m. and involved individuals known to each other.
“It was some type of incident between known parties. He did not have a weapon at the time of the incident. He also was wanted on an outstanding warrant,” says Habersham County Public Information Officer Rob Moore.
During the search, authorities urged residents in the area to lock their vehicles and doors as a precaution.
“We do that to reduce possible locations where an individual can hide. At no point during this search did we anticipate Mr. Mauldin was a danger to the public, but rather believed he was fleeing in an attempt to avoid being arrested,” says Moore.
Suspect recently released from jail
Officers from multiple law enforcement agencies assisted in the search, including the Clarkesville Police Department, Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Department of Corrections K9 Unit, and Georgia State Patrol Aviation.
“We appreciate the help of the Georgia Department of Corrections K9 team who took him into custody,” said Sheriff Joey Terrell. “We also appreciate the help of Georgia State Patrol Aviation and other agencies involved with our personnel in this search and capture.”
Mauldin bonded out of jail on July 31. He was released on an $11,100 bond four days after his arrest for aggravated assault under the Family Violence Act.
Shortly before 3 p.m. Friday, August 4, deputies returned Mauldin to the county jail following the manhunt.
Friday’s incident occurred two miles west of Clarkesville Elementary School. While authorities say the students were at no time in any danger, the school’s public safety director instructed students and staff to stay indoors. A school resource officer was stationed outside the school until the situation was resolved.
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