According to Sheriff Jeff Shaver, deputies responded to a residence in the Blue Pond Gap area following a report of a robbery. The suspect allegedly stole an ATV from a homeowner at knifepoint. During the encounter, the homeowner retrieved a firearm and fired multiple rounds in self-defense.

The suspect fled the scene on the stolen ATV but later wrecked the vehicle in the woods before continuing to flee on foot. Unsure whether the suspect had been struck by gunfire, deputies initiated an extensive search of the area.

After several hours, with the assistance of local agencies, deputies located the suspect, unharmed, in a field near County Road 48 and AL Highway 273.

The suspect was identified as William Justin Tapp (41 y/o of Cedar Bluff). He was subsequently arrested for Robbery 1st Degree and transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center. 

Sheriff Shaver would like to thank the Cedar Bluff Police Department, Leesburg Police Department, and the Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency for their assistance in the search.