Texas Fugitive Captured In Georgia Following Manhunt by Federal Agents

DALTON, Ga –  A Texas fugitive who fled into the woods in Georgia after shooting at a Sheriff's deputy during a traffic stop earlier this week has been captured, according to authorities.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation tweeted Wednesday that Dalton Potter, the fugitive wanted out of Leakey, Tx, was in federal custody after authorities surrounded him late Wednesday evening following another shooting outside the small town of Resaca, Ga.

[[{"fid":"74951","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Wanted Fugitive Dalton Potter Captured by GBI Investigators","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"Wanted Fugitive Dalton Potter Captured by GBI Investigators"},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Wanted Fugitive Dalton Potter Captured by GBI Investigators","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"Wanted Fugitive Dalton Potter Captured by GBI Investigators"}},"attributes":{"alt":"Wanted Fugitive Dalton Potter Captured by GBI Investigators","title":"Wanted Fugitive Dalton Potter Captured by GBI Investigators","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]

Whitfield County Sheriff Scott Chitwood told reporters Wednesday that investigators surrounded Dalton Potter, 29, in an area northwest of the town.

"We probably have over 100 officers, we've set up a strong perimeter, we still have the (Georgia State Patrol) helicopter in the air, we've got K-9s on the ground tracking in the woods," Chitwood said, noting that it was also getting dark outside at the time.

In a second shooting, just two days after the initial traffic stop where Potter fired at a sheriff's deputy, Potter shot another man on his property who was able to return fire, which eventually caused Potter to flee the scene authorities said.

Sheriff Chitwood added that the civilian who was shot by Potter outside of his residence was hospitalized and is currently listed as in stable condition.

Noah Cloer identified his father, Eddie Cloer, as the shooting victim, and said his father had been outside feeding animals in his yard when Potter attacked, shooting him once in the arm and grazing his head, Noah Cloer told WTVC this week.

According to the son, Eddie Cloer was able to return fire back at his assailant before Potter fled the scene.

The city of Resaca is roughly 75 miles northwest of Atlanta, and about 16 miles from the city of Dalton, where investigators say Potter fired multiple shots at Whitfield County Sheriff's Deputy Darrell Hackney around midnight Monday evening during a traffic stop.

Deputy Hackney was struck, but thankfully his ballistic vest saved his life, said investigators with the GBI.

Hackney and another responding deputy returned gunfire, but Potter managed to drive away headed south on Interstate 75 before wrecking the truck and escaping into the woods on foot.

The GBI revealed Wednesday that Potter was discovered to be hauling illegal explosives that were found in a stolen trailer that was located along the southbound lane of I-75, near the Whitfield-Gordon county line.

According to the GBI, the agencies bomb disposal unit was called in to properly dispose of the recovered explosives.

Potter, originally wanted out of Leakey, Texas, was also wanted in Georgia on five counts of aggravated assault, including two Texas charges of larceny and theft of more than $2,500.

A second Texas man, Jonathan Hosmer, 47, was arrested sometime Tuesday afternoon after surveillance video footage in the area recorded him leaving the scene of the truck crash.

Hosmer, originally wanted in Texas for larceny and theft charges, is also being charged in the state of Georgia for the possession of methamphetamine, bringing stolen property into the state, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.