DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Drivers and residents are being asked to stay alert Friday as law enforcement officers continue looking for a wanted murder suspect.
DeKalb County Police Department said officers launched an investigation near Wood Bend Drive and Juliette Road in Stone Mountain. The area isn't far from East Ponce Village Apartments. Earlier in the day, DeKalb County Sheriff Melody Maddox advised residents to stay indoors and added that people should avoid Memorial Drive as they searched for Nicholas Earl.
However, police said just after 7:30 p.m. that after a thorough search of the area, the suspect was not located.
"At this time, he is still at large and charges are expected to be filed in addition to the original warrant for murder," DeKalb Police said in an update. "At this time, the area has been cleared but the suspect is still considered armed and dangerous. We urge the community to stay alert and call 911 if they see him."
DeKalb Police confirmed with 11Alive that Earl is wanted in connection to the murder of Timberre Mims, a 34-year-old woman who was killed on June 22 at East Ponce Village Apartment Homes in Stone Mountain.
Deputies spotted Earl in a vehicle around 3 p.m. and pursued him. Earl worked to evade deputies and fired at a patrol car. One deputy was hurt but it is not clear if he was grazed by a bullet or hurt by shattered glass. He was taken to a nearby hospital to be treated and is expected to be OK, Maddox said, adding that he remains in good spirits.
Earl abandoned the vehicle he was in, according to DeKalb County authorities, and took off toward the woods. Authorities have the vehicle in custody but Earl remains at large.
The story continues after the gallery.
DeKalb County police activity near Stone Mountain | PHOTOS
The Stone Mountain community remained on edge with a sea of law enforcement vehicles, the sounds of sirens, and a feeling of uneasiness.
“It’s scary. It’s very scary," Mamadou Berry said.
Berry owns a business in the normally peaceful area.
“All around Stone Mountain is a very quiet area. We never have any problems in general, but it can happen anywhere. People can be loose from far away and come into this area," Barry said.
Several agencies have been asked to assist, including U.S. Marshals, Clayton County officers and deputies, and Doraville police among others.
Maddox stressed that Earl is considered armed and dangerous. People should not approach him. He's described as standing at 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing around 155 pounds. Earl is said to have short, dread-like black hair.
Earlier in the day, The Georgia Department of Transportation issued an alert, warning that police were at US 78 eastbound before SR 10 and Memorial Drive. One lane was blocked; traffic was practically bumper to bumper in the other two lanes. Delays stretched for miles with East Ponce de Leon Ave also seeing backups due to drivers detouring, according to GDOT traffic maps.
Editor's note: Authorities have clarified the man's name as Nicholas Earl.