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Manhunt called off
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A man authorities say assaulted a police officer eluded capture Monday despite an hours-long manhunt in western Dawson County.

  

The suspect, whose name is being withheld, was described only as a white man in his 20s with brown hair.

  

It could not be determined where the assault took place, though the suspect was wanted in Cherokee County.

  

The incident apparently began with a police chase in Ellijay.

  

Dawson County Sheriff Billy Carlisle said U.S. marshals notified his office after they had tracked the suspect into Dawson.

  

Law enforcement radio traffic indicated the suspect may have been armed with a handgun.

  

“Initial reports indicate the suspect fled on foot after authorities attempted a traffic stop in Dawson County, near Keith Evans Road,” said Dawson County Sheriff’s Maj. Greg Rowan.

  

Subsequent reports placed the suspect along various roads in the Juno community.

  

The search, which lasted more than 10 hours, involved dogs and officers from Dawson and Cherokee counties, the U.S. Marshal’s Office and the Georgia State Patrol.

  

Officials called off the search Monday night about 8:30 p.m., Carlisle said.

  

Anyone with information on the suspect should call the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office at (706) 344-3535.

  

E-mail Michele Hester at michele@dawsonnews.com.