The Waycross Police Department is still seeking information on the location of two suspects involved in a violent incident late last month with WPD personnel, Chief Tommy Cox said.
Warrants have been issued for the arrests of Daquan Jerrell White, 20, and Kamar Anthony Boyd, 20, on charges of Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer and multiple felony weapon charges, authorities said. WPD is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of the two.
“This is an open and ongoing case,” Chief Cox said. “Our primary focus at this point is locating the 2 offenders at large, but our Special Operations Section is working practically nonstop to locate them.”
The chief added that no officer is being investigated in relation to the incident that took place about 2:15 a.m., June 28 after an attempted traffic stop on a vehicle linked to multiple felony crimes in Waycross, police said.
The driver of the vehicle fled, prompting a pursuit during which suspects inside the vehicle opened fire on police.
The pursuing officer’s patrol car was struck several times by bullets, but no injuries were reported.
“This serves as a reminder of the daily dangers that our officers face,” Chief Cox said. “They respond to calls and conduct traffic stops with little to no information about the potential risks they encounter. I’m incredibly proud of the men and women of the WPD and their commitment to serving the community.
“Some officers have been working 16- to 20hour days to ensure cases are resolved, and this effort will continue until all offenders are apprehended.”
The suspects later abandoned the vehicle in a southside Waycross neighborhood and fled on foot. A 15-year-old juvenile was arrested and charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, with additional felony charges pending, authorities said.
Chief Cox said the involvement of a juvenile in the case is a troubling trend authorities are dealing with.
“The individuals committing the most violent acts are getting younger and younger,” the chief said. “At WPD, we have youth outreach programs, and (Waycross) City Manager Duke Rayford is actively seeking community input on ways to address the issues affecting our young people.
“This truly is a community effort. We’re facing challenges similar to those encountered by many cities across the country. However, this doesn’t mean we should accept it as the new norm. Addressing these issues will require collaboration and commitment from the entire community.”
Authorities are asking anyone with more information to contact the WPD at (912) 287-2921 or the Community Automated Tip (C.A.T.) Line anonymously at (912) 287-2924.
