GILMER COUNTY, Ga. — Authorities in Gilmer County have issued a shelter in place alert amid a manhunt in the Yukon Road area. This comes as deputies are looking for a man involved in a shootout.
People north of Appaloosa Drive and south of John Call Road are being told to shelter in place.
“Remain inside your homes or buildings, lock all doors and windows, and stay away from windows. DO NOT go outside until further notice. If you observe any suspicious individuals or activity, DO NOT APPROACH. Call 911 immediately,” Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office said.
“Please take this warning seriously and remain sheltered until law enforcement advises otherwise,” the sheriff’s office added.
Deputies in north Georgia are searching for a person believed to be hiding in a wooded area after exchanging gunfire with the individual Friday afternoon.
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Just after 2 p.m., the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office said there is a heavy police presence near the 2000 block of Yukon Road.
Deputies exchanged gunfire with the person earlier in the day, and authorities believe the individual is somewhere in the surrounding woods. Officials have not released details about what led to the shooting or whether anyone was injured.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said the agency has been requested as part of an officer-involved shooting investigation in Gilmer County.
Gilmer County Schools placed all schools on a secure lockout as a precaution due to law enforcement activity.
School officials said classes are continuing as normal inside school buildings, but outside activities and access are being limited to protect students and staff.
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The school system is asking parents and community members not to call or visit schools while the situation unfolds so staff can keep communication lines open and school driveways clear.
The sheriff’s office is urging people to avoid the area around Yukon Road until further notice.
Anyone who sees someone suspicious or unfamiliar in the area should not approach them, officials said. Instead, they should move to a safe location and call 911.
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