A suspect has been arrested in connection with the shooting of a North Georgia police officer, who was in critical condition but is now said to be stable, according to officials late Sunday morning.
Capt. Brantley Worley was responding to a call that brought him to an area near First Street in McCaysville around 11:10 p.m. Friday night, police Chief Michael Earley said. He suffered a brain bleed from the shooting, among other injuries, authorities said.
“As of this morning, Capt. Worley is stable,” Earley said Sunday. “The brain bleed has not changed, and we are waiting on word regarding the results of his latest CT scan. Doctors are also considering surgery on his nose, as the break has made it difficult for him to breathe.”
Later on Sunday, the chief said Worley was able to speak with him and his officers at the hospital. Earley said doctors told him that no brain surgery would be needed and “there is hope he may be moved out of the ICU.”
Police identified the suspect, who was considered “armed and extremely dangerous,” as 26-year-old Timothy Craig Ramsey. Ramsey was taken into custody at about 6 p.m. Saturday, the GBI said.
Ramsey was wanted on charges of aggravated assault with intent to murder a police officer, Earley said. He was booked into the Fannin County Jail.
Multiple agencies, including the GBI, assisted McCaysville police in the search for the suspect.
“We want to sincerely thank our community and the many agencies that came together during this difficult time,” Earley said. “Your prayers, encouragement and support have meant so much to our department and to Capt. Worley’s family.”
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Officials told Channel 2 Action News the suspect opened fire and struck Worley in the face. The officer, who has a wife and young son, suffered a broken neck and brain bleed and was flown to a hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the news station reported.
“Captain Worley is a dedicated officer who has faithfully served this community, and we are asking everyone to keep him, his family, and our department in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time,” Earley said.
Pickens County Fire and Rescue said Worley also serves as a part-time firefighter and EMT with them. He is a “brother everyone enjoys being around” and ”a community servant to the bone," the department said.
In a statement, Gov. Brian Kemp asked all Georgians to pray for Worley.
“Marty (Georgia’s first lady), the girls, and I are asking all Georgians to join us in praying for this officer who was shot in the line of duty, as well as all law enforcement who face this kind of danger on a regular basis to protect their communities,” Kemp said.
McCaysville is about two hours north of Atlanta, near Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park and the state line bordering Copperhill, Tennessee.
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