After a manhunt spanning two Southeastern states, a murder suspect was apprehended, but not before allegedly attempting to steal a tractor trailer to evade police.
Mike Thomas, 28, was wanted in Fulton County, Georgia, for allegedly shooting his girlfriend in the face, according to Atlanta-based ABC affiliate WSB. It’s unclear whether she died or if her shooting triggered the murder investigation.
Law&Crime has contacted the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office for clarification.
Thomas is said to have fled into Conecuh County, Alabama, before being apprehended by officers from the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO). According to deputies, Thomas shot at pursuing officers during the chase on Sunday, May 18.
The suspect’s vehicle was stopped with spikes laid down by law enforcement, but he reportedly got out and ran toward a tractor trailer in an attempt to steal it. According to reports, a passenger in the truck fired a shot at him, hitting him in the leg, and the defendant fled into the nearby woods.
To help detain Thomas, the sheriff’s office called in a SWAT team, an air unit, and tracking dogs.
“This is a shining example of how agency cooperation and teamwork leads to a successful outcome,” according to the BCSO.
According to Fox affiliate WALA in Mobile, Alabama, Thomas has been charged with two counts of robbery and one count of assault. He is also expected to face several charges in Georgia, including aggravated assault and possession of a weapon as a felon.
The suspect was reportedly taken to a hospital for medical evaluation after suffering a gunshot wound to the leg, and once released, he was taken to jail.