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Information on the whereabouts of Dalton Bell, 19, is being sought by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and Royston Police Department.
From staff reports
ROYSTON – Local law enforcement agencies continue to search for a suspect who was the subject of a manhunt in Royston Saturday after gunshots at the scene of a complaint.
Information on the whereabouts of Dalton Bell, 19, is being sought by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and Royston Police Department.
Bell avoided arrest Saturday after a sheriff’s deputy encountered him at a home on Daniel Street in Royston. After Bell left the sight of the deputy, four gunshots were heard.
A multi-agency manhunt, which included at least one helicopter unit, searched the Royston area until Sunday at 1 a.m., but Bell was not found.
It is now believed he has left the area.
Information posted on Facebook by Franklin County Sheriff Stevie Thomas said that a deputy was called to an incident in Franklin Springs Saturday around 7:30 p.m.
“The deputy was requested to document acts of terroristic threats, among other crimes which were committed by Dalton Bell (19),” Thomas posted. “Bell allegedly threatened to kill his girlfriend and her friend.”
The deputy then travelled to Daniel Street to check on the safety of the girlfriend.
“The deputy traveled past the residence, where the victim stated she lived, and observed Bell in the yard,” the sheriff wrote. “The deputy attempted to make contact with Bell and requested Bell remove his hands from his pockets.”
Bell did not obey the deputy’s orders “and appeared to show more signs of aggressive behavior.”
The deputy called for assistance “while maintaining distance, and visual for the deputies safety. At the time, it was unknown if Bell possessed a firearm,” the sheriff’s post said. “Bell began acting even more aggressive and walked toward the back of the residence.”
The deputy lost sight of Bell but continued to ask him to talk about the situation.
A few seconds later, as the deputy was joined by Royston Police officers, four gunshots were heard.
The law officers took cover and did not return fire. No one was injured.
Thomas wrote that the deputy did not fire due to not being able to see Bell.
Royston Assistant Police Chief Brooks Moorhead said that Bell fled into the woods nearby.
Officers began to canvas the area and cleared the Daniel Street house, Moorhead said.
More Franklin County Sheriff’s deputies, the Hart County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Natural Resources and Georgia State Patrol responded to look for Bell. The search included at least one helicopter and lasted until 1 a.m.
It is believed Bell left the Royston area. He has ties to communities in other parts of the state and out-of-state, Moorhead said.
The search for Bell or information about his whereabouts is ongoing. He is considered armed and dangerous.
Warrants were issued for Bell including multiple counts of aggravated assault of peace officers, theft by taking, criminal trespass, multiple counts of reckless conduct and multiple counts of terroristic threats and acts, information from the Royston Police Department said.
Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or local law enforcement.
“Thank you for all of the law enforcement agencies for their assistance, and thanks to the citizens for their concerns,” Thomas wrote on Facebook.