In a recent operation spanning multiple agencies, Jonathan William Harris, a 34-year-old Sautee resident wanted by the Habersham County authorities for an officer-involved shooting, was apprehended Thursday night following a tip from a vigilant local business employee, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta. Harris, identified after he momentarily lowered his mask in a store, was wearing a yellow traffic vest, helmet, gloves, which sparked recognition by the employee who subsequently contacted the sheriff's office.
The manhunt intensified when Harris was sighted leaving the store in a Kubota side-by-side vehicle filled with pine straw, which led to a swift law enforcement response, culminating in deputies locating abandoned vehicle with clothing items that matched the suspect's disguise on Rosewood Drive, and a subsequent K-9 search brought them to a camper where Harris was found hiding under a bed, he was found with two handguns and additional firearms in a nearby bag by the deputies which prompted an arrest after commands for Harris to surrender were ignored, and the use of a K-9 unit became necessary, resulting in injuries for which Harris was treated at Northeast Georgia Medical Center Habersham, according to Now Habersham.
The initial incident involved Harris allegedly assaulting a deputy during a traffic stop when the deputy attempted to halt a truck with two flat tires, leading to a dangerous confrontation where the deputy was struck by the vehicle and subsequently discharged his weapon as Harris fled the scene; furthermore, the truck and trailer in question were reported stolen from Hall County, adding to the charges Harris now faces including aggravated assault on an officer, fleeing and eluding, and theft by receiving stolen property, among others, with additional charges expected.
Habersham County Sheriff's Office, alongside multiple assisting agencies like the Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Department of Natural Resources, Banks County Sheriff’s Office, and several local police departments, were commended for their collaborative efforts during the manhunt, with Sheriff Robin Krockum expressing gratitude for their support; meanwhile, the sheriff's office is urging anyone who suspects they may have been a victim of burglary or theft since the incident to reach out to investigators.
