White County Man Surrenders After Fleeing Rape Investigation
WHITE COUNTY, GA – A Mt. Airy man is in custody following a sexual assault investigation that led to a brief manhunt in White County last week.
On May 7, 2026, Deputies and Investigators with the White County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call regarding a sexual assault at a local address. Investigators identified the suspect as Salvador Velazquez, 29, of Mt. Airy. Authorities noted that Velazquez was a “well-known acquaintance” of the 24-year-old female victim.
The investigation took a dramatic turn when deputies, with assistance from the Helen Police Department, attempted to apprehend Velazquez. The suspect managed to flee the scene on foot, successfully evading initial efforts to locate him.
The search concluded later when Velazquez turned himself into the White County Jail without further incident.
According to officials, Velazquez faces a string of serious felony charges under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, including:
- Rape (O.C.G.A § 16-6-1)
- Armed Robbery (O.C.G.A § 16-8-41)
- Kidnapping (O.C.G.A § 16-5-40)
- Battery under the Family Violence Act (O.C.G.A § 16-5-23.1)
The White County Sheriff’s Office stated that the investigation remains active and ongoing. Velazquez is currently being held at the White County Jail as the legal process moves forward.
