A man in Brantley County, Georgia, is under investigation after firing at two Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) agents. The GBI reports that the incident occurred last Saturday, when agents were conducting an interview with the suspect as part of an ongoing child molestation investigation.
Warren Edmond Leaon West, 49, reportedly fled the interview at a house on Drury Court in Hortense and discharged his weapon twice at the agents, according to information from GBI. The gunfire did not result in any injuries. Following the shooting, West escaped into nearby woods, leading to a manhunt involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
Local deputies from the Brantley County Sheriff’s Office, along with reinforcements from surrounding counties and the Georgia State Patrol, established a perimeter. A subsequent gunshot, believed to be self-inflicted, was heard from the area where West had fled.
Large search efforts culminated with West being found behind the woodland area, injured from a gunshot wound interpreted to be self-inflicted. The man was subsequently airlifted to a trauma center in Jacksonville, Florida for emergency treatment. Charges against West are expected, as the investigation by the GBI's Douglas office is still under way. The public has been urged to share any pertinent information with authorities.
Once the GBI wraps up their investigation, they will turn over the case file to the Waycross Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office, which will be responsible for prosecution. Anyone with relevant information can reach out to the Brantley County Sheriff’s Office or the Douglas Regional Investigative Office. Tips can be submitted anonymously via a hotline or an online portal.
