Oconee Sheriff Releases Statement About Hunt for Hood

released the following statement Friday about the search for shooting suspect Jamie Hood:

"The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office will continue our commitment to take whatever action is required to bring the search for Jamie Hood to conclusion. Hood allegedly shot Officer Howard to avoid capture, and ambushed and to continue his escape. As long as Hood is on the run he represents a danger to not only the citizens of Athens-Clarke County but to the entire Northeast Georgia area.  During the manhunt, our patrol and investigative operations will continue and we are committed to our mission of providing our citizens with the protection and service they expect from the Oconee County Sheriff's Office.  You may see some new faces at school crossings and other events where you have come to expect certain deputies to attend.

"I personally want to thank our citizens for their calls, kind words, offers of support, and prayers for us as this manhunt continues.  The families of the deputies involved in this manhunt deserve our prayers and support as well.

"Chief Weems will update you as relevant details become available.  We are committed to keeping Oconee County citizens informed, but forgive us if we are a bit slow to answer specific questions.  There are some things we just cannot discuss during the course of a manhunt."