A suspected cop killer is on the run in Georgia after he gunned down a small-town officer who arrested him days earlier in what officials believe was a targeted shooting.
Warm Springs City Councilman Michael Bishop told 11 Alive he believes the alleged gunman Jimmie Lee Steverson, 23, may have killed Warm Springs Police Stg. Chris Fisher – a father of two – in retaliation for arresting him last week on weapon and drugs charges.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has issued a Blue Alert for Steverson after Fisher was shot outside the Meriwether Country Inn, about 70 miles south of Atlanta.
The suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.
Authorities described Steverson as 5 feet, 6 inches tall, 150 pounds and with black dreadlocks and brown eyes.
He was last seen driving a 2026 black Chevrolet Silverado, and was wearing a black t-shirt with black gym shorts.
“If you see him or see any suspicious activity, please take immediate precautions and notify 911,” the GBI warned.
Authorities have not formally offered any specifics about what led up to the fatal shooting.
However arrest records show Steverson was busted last Friday morning around 1 a.m. for charges including possession/distribution of marijuana, possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a crime and obstruction of officers with threats or violence.
Sgt. Fisher was listed as the arresting officer, and Bishop told the outlet he believes the young officer, who had only moved to town and joined the force three months ago, was deliberately targeted as a result of their interaction.
“This kid had policing in his blood … so tragic and very sad,” a police source told the outlet, adding that Fisher’s father was also a cop.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp issued a statement urging residents of the state to keep Fisher and his family in their prayers.
“Marty, the girls, and I are deeply saddened this morning by the news that Officer Chris Fisher has been killed,” Kemp said.
“This is a tragic reminder of the dangers law enforcement face on a daily basis in service to their communities, and I ask that all Georgians lift up Fisher’s family and his fellow officers in prayer.”
Anyone with information about Steverson’s whereabouts should call 911 or the GBI tip line at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477). Tips can also be submitted through the GBI website or its See Something, Send Something app.
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