Manhunt called off for 'armed and dangerous' man in Coweta County still at large

COWETA COUNTY, Ga. - A massive manhunt has ended for a man accused of shooting a Georgia State Patrol K-9 officer during a chase in Coweta County.

The manhunt began on Wednesday after Georgia State Patrol attempted to pull over 51-year-old Ira Troy Williams. 

Instead, he took off, leading troopers on a high-speed chase. 

Ira Troy Williams (Georgia Bureau of Investigation)

Eventually, that chase ended when Williams hopped out of his vehicle and took off running. He was last seen running towards the woods along U.S. 29 at Calico Loop in Grantville. That is when a massive manhunt involving multiple agencies, including the Coweta County Sheriff's Office began.

Authorities have since taken out a warrant for aggravated assault on a police officer for shooting at troopers during the chase. 

GSP K-9 Amor injured in Coweta County chase

The chase ended at the Grantville exit on South Highway 29. Officials say troopers attempted to perform multiple PIT maneuvers and Williams crashed his vehicle. Following the crash, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation says Williams fired his weapon at troopers while running away.

At some point, law enforcement officials say shots from what is believed to be an AR-15 struck a GSP K-9. The K-9 was taken by air to BluePearl Pet Hospital in Sandy Springs, according to Sandy Springs police. 

Armor was released from the animal hospital on Thursday and was recovering comfortably at home.

The search turned into hours of closed roadways, choppers circling, and a mobile command center being set up.

K-9 Amor  (Georgia State Patrol)

K-9 Armor has been released from the hospital as of Thursday morning and is expected to recover from his injuries.

Manhunt for ‘armed and dangerous’ man after chase

Where the man is hiding is anyone’s guess, but Grantville’s mayor, Richard Proctor, says it would be a difficult task to find the man. 

"It’s thick; you have creeks, you have old small structures back in there, ravines. It’s very, very thick, very dense woods, and of course, as the night draws, it just becomes totally pitch black," said Proctor.

Those in the area were asked to get inside, lock the doors, and report any suspicious activity until the man is in custody.

A photograph of a man believed to be Williams was shared with FOX 5 Atlanta and law enforcement. 

Officials do not know if Williams is injured.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been asked to investigate the officer-involved shooting.