On Tuesday, November 15, at 9 pm, the suspect, Kyle Jarod George, 24 of Lake City was captured near Hudson Street and SR 47 following an extensive manhunt.
George struck Corporal Archie Crews with a motorcycle and fled on foot. K9 teams from CCSO, FHP, and DOC began tracking George, who travelled nearly .75 of a mile through dense woods. Near the end of the track, K9 teams found a pile of clothes that were still on fire. It is believed George attempted to distract the dogs by burning some of his clothes. A short time later, the K9 teams reported contact and George was taken into custody.
George is charged with aggravated battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, 2 counts of burglary, 3 counts of resisting and officer, 1 count of arson, 1 count of destroying evidence, fleeing and attempting to elude and reckless driving. He was booked into the Columbia County Detention Facility with no bond.
Corporal Crews was admitted to UF Shands overnight for evaluation and is scheduled to be released on Wednesday morning.
Multiple law enforcement agencies assisted in the manhunt including Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Wildlife Commission, Department of Corrections, and the Lake City Police Department.
“I’m extremely grateful to our community for their support and understanding in these difficult times; a Deputy was injured and help came from all directions!” Sheriff Mark Hunter said, “We are fortunate for the partnership we have with all our local public safety agencies; when anyone needs assistance, we all join in to help and that’s the mark of a great community”.
