Habersham County Fugitive Found Hiding in Camper After Multi-Agency Manhunt

A man wanted in connection with an officer-involved shooting in Habersham County was arrested Thursday night following a tip from a local business.

Jonathan William Harris, 34, of Sautee, was taken into custody just before 9 p.m. at a residence on Rosewood Drive near Clarkesville. Habersham County E-911 relayed a report that Harris had entered a store wearing a yellow traffic vest, helmet, gloves, and a mask. After pulling down the mask, he was recognized by an employee who immediately contacted authorities.

Deputies reviewed store surveillance footage, confirmed Harris’ identity, and quickly established a perimeter in the area. The suspect was seen leaving the scene in a Kubota side-by-side vehicle loaded with pine straw. Deputies located the vehicle nearby on Rosewood Drive, where they recovered the traffic vest, helmet, mask, gloves, and pine straw from the vehicle.

K-9 units from Habersham and Banks County sheriff’s offices tracked Harris to a camper located in a yard on Rosewood Drive. Deputies discovered the camper’s window had been forced open and, after failed attempts to make contact with Harris, obtained a key from the property owner. Law enforcement personnel entered the camper and found Harris hiding under the bed.

Despite multiple commands to surrender, Harris refused to comply and was apprehended by a K-9 unit. Two handguns were found in his possession at the time of his arrest, and two additional firearms were located in a bag belonging to him. Harris was treated on scene by Habersham County Emergency Services and transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center Habersham for medical clearance before being booked into the Habersham County Detention Center.

Harris is now facing additional charges as the investigation continues. Authorities are encouraging anyone who believes they may have been a victim of theft or burglary since Wednesday, June 11, to contact the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Robin Krockum thanked multiple agencies for their assistance in the arrest, including the Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Banks County Sheriff’s Office, and the police departments in Baldwin, Clarkesville, Cornelia, and Helen.