The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred early Wednesday morning, June 11, in Habersham County. One deputy was injured, and a suspect remains on the run.
According to the GBI, the incident happened around 3:30 a.m. after a Habersham County deputy attempted to stop a truck pulling a trailer with two flat tires near Juniper Trail in Toccoa. As the deputy stepped out of his patrol vehicle, the driver of the truck, identified as 34-year-old Jonathan William Harris of Sautee, allegedly rammed the patrol car. The impact knocked the deputy to the ground.
The deputy fired his weapon as Harris fled the scene on foot. His condition is unknown. The deputy sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene by Habersham County Emergency Services.
Harris is wanted on multiple charges, including aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, fleeing, firearm possession during a crime, obstruction, and theft by receiving stolen property. Authorities say the truck and trailer were previously reported stolen in Hall County. Harris also has outstanding warrants from an unrelated case.
A passenger in the truck, 44-year-old Antone Cortez Hall of Gainesville, was arrested at the scene. He faces charges of theft by receiving stolen property, obstruction, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Hall is being held at the Habersham County Detention Center.
The search for Harris continues in the area off Talmadge Drive between Hollywood and Toccoa. Law enforcement describes him as a white male with dark hair, wearing brown pants and a black shirt. He is believed to still be on foot. Authorities urge the public not to approach him and to call 911 if he is seen.
Multiple agencies are assisting in the manhunt, including the GBI, Georgia State Patrol, and officers from nearby cities. Drones, K-9 units, and a GSP helicopter have been deployed in the search.
The GBI’s role is limited to investigating the use of force. Once their investigation is complete, the case will be handed over to the Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review.
