Three people are accused of helping a man who shot a Henry County law enforcement officer last week to escape, and one remains at large, officials announced Monday.
Since Friday afternoon, deputies have been searching for the shooting suspect, 32-year-old Brentson Bernard Thomas, after a detention officer was shot multiple times in the chest and another man was killed at an apartment complex west of McDonough. A warrant has been obtained for Thomas’ arrest on charges of murder and aggravated assault.
Sheriff Reginald Scandrett on Monday said Lashonda Lay, Joseph Kimber and Dimarie Coulter have been helping Thomas evade arrest since the shooting. Lay and Kimber have been arrested, but Coulter remains at large. Scandrett said he believes she is “strongly helping him in his evading law enforcement at this time.”
All three are facing felony charges of hindering the apprehension or punishment of a criminal.
“Anyone that is thought to be aiding and abetting any of these people that we’re looking for ... you’re going to jail,” Scandrett said during a news conference. “We’re actively looking for them, actively following very good leads at this time frame, and we’re hoping that leads us to the apprehension of both suspects.”
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Few details have been released about the Friday shooting, which occurred at about 1:30 p.m. at the Haddon Place apartments off Willow Lane. The name of the slain man has not been provided. As of Monday evening, the detention officer remained in critical condition but was said to be stable.
The shooting prompted law enforcement and SWAT vehicles to crowd the complex for several hours, and crime scene tape was strung up around a wooded area.
According to a lookout alert, Thomas should be considered “armed and dangerous” and is also wanted in separate incidents in Miami, Florida, and Clayton County. Details on those incidents were not provided. A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest and indictment in Friday’s incident.
“Mr. Thomas, I recommend that you turn yourself in, because we will not eat, sleep or get any rest until we take you into custody,” Scandrett said after the shooting. “Turn yourself in.”
Anyone with information on Thomas’ whereabouts is asked to contact authorities at 404-577-8477 or 911. Those with information leading to Coulter’s arrest are asked to call 770-288-7108.
— Please return to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for updates.
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