McCaysville, Georgia, a small town on the Tennessee border, was shaken late Thursday night when a routine police service call escalated into gunfire that left Captain Brantley Worley gravely injured. The incident occurred just after 11:10 p.m. on September 12, when Worley responded to the call with the dedication and courage that had defined his career in public service.

According to authorities, the suspect in the shooting, identified as 26-year-old Timothy Craig Ramsey, opened fire on Captain Worley, striking him in the throat. The injury was described as severe, nearly ending the officer’s life on the spot. Ramsey, described as a white male standing 5 feet 11 inches and weighing approximately 185 pounds, immediately fled the scene on foot.

Witnesses reported seeing Ramsey wearing a dark motorcycle helmet as he escaped, a detail that has further complicated the ongoing search. Law enforcement officials have warned the public that Ramsey is armed and considered extremely dangerous. They have urged residents in McCaysville and surrounding Appalachian communities to remain alert and to call 911 immediately if he is spotted.

The attack has rattled the sense of security in the town, where violent crime of this nature is rare. McCaysville, with its close-knit families and small businesses, has long prided itself on being a safe community. The sudden eruption of violence against one of their most trusted officers has left residents deeply unsettled and eager for Ramsey’s swift capture.

Captain Worley’s career reflects a lifelong dedication to serving others. Before joining the McCaysville Police Department, he worked with the Pickens County Fire Department, where he was recognized for his leadership and commitment to helping people in moments of crisis. Colleagues describe him as someone who leads by example, never hesitating to step into danger when the community needs him.

Chief Michael Otis of the McCaysville Police Department addressed the public the following morning, asking for prayers and support for Captain Worley, his children, and the department as a whole. “This is a difficult moment for our community, but we know the strength of McCaysville will carry us through,” he said, expressing both grief and determination.

The coordinated search effort for Ramsey has expanded beyond McCaysville. Local, state, and federal agencies are pooling resources, conducting ground and aerial searches, and monitoring nearby highways in hopes of locating the fugitive. The manhunt includes checkpoints, K9 units, and collaboration with law enforcement across Georgia and Tennessee.

Authorities have also appealed to the public for assistance, encouraging anyone with information about Ramsey’s movements to come forward. They stressed the importance of community cooperation, especially given the dangerous nature of the suspect and the fact that he remains at large nearly 24 hours after the incident.

Community members have responded with heartfelt messages of solidarity. Vigils and prayer circles are being organized as residents show their support for Captain Worley’s recovery. While the investigation and manhunt continue, the town remains united in hope, determined not to let violence define their home.

The path ahead will not be easy, but McCaysville stands strong behind its injured officer and those working tirelessly to bring the suspect to justice. For now, the community waits with hope that Captain Worley’s life, though nearly cut short, will be spared and that Ramsey will be apprehended before anyone else is harmed.