A McCaysville police officer is recovering after being shot in the face while responding to a suspicious vehicle call late Friday night. The officer, Capt. Brantley Worley, was seriously injured in the line of duty, triggering a major manhunt that ended with the arrest of the suspect the next day.
Late-Night Call Turns Violent
The incident happened just after 11 p.m. on First Street in McCaysville, a small town in northern Georgia near the Tennessee border. Police were responding to a report of a suspicious person when 26-year-old Timothy Craig Ramsey allegedly opened fire as soon as officers arrived.
McCaysville Police Chief Michael Earley told reporters that Ramsey “brutally shot my officer in the face” during the encounter.
Massive Manhunt Launched
The shooting sparked an urgent search involving local police, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), and federal law enforcement agencies. Officers first went to Ramsey’s home early Saturday, but he wasn’t there.
The GBI issued a statewide Blue Alert, which is used when a suspect who seriously injures or kills a law enforcement officer is on the run. A tip later came in about Ramsey’s location, leading to his arrest around 6 p.m. Saturday.
Suspect Known for Violence
Neighbors who spoke to Atlanta News First described Ramsey as a violent and aggressive person. One local even claimed he had once fired gunshots into someone’s windows because he believed the person had killed his cat.
Ramsey now faces serious charges, including:
Aggravated assault with intent to murder a police officer
He remains in police custody as the investigation continues.
Officer Worley’s Condition and Service
Capt. Brantley Worley, who was promoted just two months ago in July, has served with the McCaysville Police Department for three years and has over 15 years of total law enforcement experience.
According to Chief Earley, the gunshot broke Worley’s neck and caused bleeding in his brain. His condition remains serious, but he is currently receiving treatment and recovering.
Chief Earley praised Worley as a loyal and respected officer:
“Captain Worley is a dedicated officer who has faithfully served this community, and we are asking everyone to keep him, his family, and our department in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.”
Community in Shock
The town of McCaysville is reeling from the violent attack, which has shaken the close-knit community. Local residents and officials are standing in support of Capt. Worley and hoping for his full recovery.
The shooting of Capt. Worley has left a deep impact on McCaysville and law enforcement across Georgia. Thanks to a swift manhunt and community tips, the suspect was captured quickly. While justice takes its course, the focus remains on Worley’s recovery and the safety of officers who put their lives on the line every day to protect others.
