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Blue Alert issued for 'armed and dangerous' man after detention officer shot

By FOX 5 Atlanta Digital Team
Updated  November 5, 2022 12:20am EDT
Henry County
FOX 5 Atlanta

Blue Alert issued for suspect who police say shot detention officer

Gunfire erupted at the Haddon Place Apartments in McDonough Friday afternoon. Now the GBI has issued a blue alert for suspected gunman Brentson Thomas.

MCDONOUGH, Ga. - A detention officer was critically injured and another person was killed during a shooting near an apartment complex in Henry County, according to the Henry County sheriff. A massive man hunt has since been launched and a "Blue Alert" has been issued for the suspect, who law enforcement officials consider armed and dangerous, and a $20,000 reward is now being offered.

Officials said the officer is in critical but stable condition after they were life-flighted to a hospital. A Blue Alert, a Georgia emergency alert issued to help arrest people suspected of injuring or killing officers, identified the officers a Detention Officer Williams. 

Law enforcement officers are actively looking for an "armed and dangerous" person of interest.

Detention officer in critical condition after being shot multiple times

A manhunt is underway for Brentson Thomas. Authorities say he shot a Henry County detention officer several times. The shooting happened at the Hadden Place Apartment complex on Hopewell Place in McDonough.

Henry County Sheriff Reginald Scandrett said officers are looking for 32-year-old Brentson Bernard Thomas. He's wanted for assaults in Clayton County and Miami, Florida. The sheriff said Thomas could be in a gray 2020 Toyota Camry with license plate CKD81418. He has two distinct New Orleans Saints tattoos on his neck. Georgia State Patrol said he was last seen wearing gray sweatpants and a dark-colored hoodie. 

Prenston Bernard Thomas

Brentson Bernard Thomas

"Mr. Thomas, I recommend you turn yourself in, because we will not eat, sleep, rest until we take you into custody," Scandrett said. "Turn yourself in."

It's not clear who killed the other man involved in the incident.

Henry County law enforcement investigating at an apartment complex on Nov. 4, 2022.

Henry County law enforcement investigating at an apartment complex on Nov. 4, 2022. (FOX 5 Atlanta)

SKYFOX flew over Hopewell Place where law enforcement officers were near an apartment building. 

There were SWAT mobile units at the scene.

Henry County law enforcement investigating at an apartment complex on Nov. 4, 2022.

Henry County law enforcement investigating at an apartment complex on Nov. 4, 2022.

This story is breaking. Check back for details. If you have additional information, pictures, or video email newstipsatlanta@fox.com.

What is a ‘Blue Alert’ in Georgia?

Law enforcement in Georgia can issue a Blue Alert when an armed and dangerous suspect, who has seriously injured or killed an officer or deputy, is on the run. It can also be issued for a law enforcement officer who may be missing in the line of duty and believed to be in extreme danger.

The activation must meet certain criteria with the biggest being the potential the person is a direct and serious threat to the public.

The alert can be issued once there is sufficient information available that would help the public in assisting in locating the suspect.

Henry County law enforcement investigating at an apartment complex on Nov. 4, 2022.

Henry County law enforcement investigating at an apartment complex on Nov. 4, 2022.

The information will be forwarded to both the Georgia Crime Information Center and the National Crime Information Center.

Local law enforcement will forward the request to state officials who will then issue the alert.

Once the alert is issued, it will be given to the Georgia Association of Broadcasters and to individual local news outlets.

Anyone who sees the subject of a Blue Alert should not approach but instead should call 911 immediately.