Shots Fired as Deputies Confront Armed Suspects in Stolen Vehicle Case in Macon
MACON, Georgia – Two suspects, including a 17-year-old, were arrested after Bibb County deputies encountered armed individuals and gunfire while investigating a stolen vehicle Tuesday afternoon in Macon, authorities said.
The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Gang Unit reported that the incident began around 3:36 p.m. on Gledhill Street near Churchill Street, where an investigator spotted a stolen Kia Sportage in the 3000 block of Gledhill Street. As deputies approached the vehicle, two males attempted to flee.
Deputies immediately apprehended one armed suspect after deploying a Taser. The second suspect ran into a wooded area, where deputies pursued and heard gunfire shortly after entering the woods. Investigators said deputies then encountered two males armed with rifles who ignored commands to surrender and continued fleeing. Authorities believe multiple automatic rounds were fired to harm or intimidate pursuing deputies.
Additional deputies responded to assist, along with the Georgia State Patrol and the U.S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force. The armed suspects were seen fleeing the area, and moments later the second suspect was apprehended near Sharon Drive.
The adult suspect was identified as Rickie Scott Watson, 34, who was transported to a local medical facility for treatment of a minor injury. The second suspect was identified as George Hoza Weaks, 17, who was taken to the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center. Authorities said no deputies or bystanders were injured, and multiple firearms were recovered at the scene.
Weaks has been charged with obstruction of a law enforcement officer, possession of a firearm by a person under 18, felony theft by receiving stolen property, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. Watson faces charges of obstruction of a law enforcement officer, two counts of felony theft by receiving stolen property, and two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. Both suspects are being held without bond.
Sheriff David Davis said deputies will continue to aggressively pursue those who threaten law enforcement. “We will be relentless in our hunt for anyone who tries to either harm or intimidate our deputies,” Davis said.
The shooting aspect of the incident remains under investigation as deputies work to identify any additional suspects. Authorities said there is no imminent threat to the community. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 478-751-7500 or Macon Regional Crimestoppers at 1-877-68CRIME.
