A manhunt is underway for Garon Turner, an armed suspect who pulled a gun on Clayton County police officers before fleeing on foot. The U.S. Marshal Service has stepped up to offer a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Turner, who engaged in a dangerous confrontation with the officers during a traffic stop earlier this week, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta.
The incident occurred late on December 20 at around 11:30 p.m. near the intersection of Upper Riverdale Road and Tara Boulevard in Jonesboro. Turner was asked to step out of his vehicle during a routine stop, which he promptly refused to do, opting instead to suddenly take off running. The Clayton County police were forced to quickly respond, chasing after Turner as he drew a firearm from his waistband, prompting the officers to fire at him, according to a report by Atlanta News First. Despite the exchange, Turner managed to elude arrest and remains at large.
A gun was later recovered at the scene by the authorities. The police have emphasized that no officers were injured during this confrontation. Turner, who is inked with several distinctive tattoos, including a breast cancer symbol and a teardrop on his face, is wanted on aggravated assault charges. "Anyone who sees him is asked to call 911 immediately and to not confront him directly," warns the police.
Following the pursuit, the vicinity was shut down for an in-depth investigation which included the collection of evidence and securing the area with crime scene tape, particularly outside an Econo Lodge. Although it remains unclear if Turner was wounded in the exchange of gunfire, the Clayton County Police Department has stated that there have been no reported injuries among the officers involved. Police are continuing to actively search for the suspect, but all further information regarding his description and the initial reason for the traffic stop has yet to be disclosed to the public.
