Authorities Arrest 2 for Helping Ga. Deputy's Shooter Escape

Two people were arrested and authorities in Henry County are still searching for another person accused of helping a man who shot a Henry County law enforcement officer last week, officials announced Monday.

Since Friday afternoon, deputies have been searching for 32-year-old Brentson Bernard Thomas after he shot a detention officer multiple times in the chest and killed another man at Haddon Place apartments along Hopewell Place, authorities said. A warrant has been obtained for his arrest and he is facing charges of murder and two counts of aggravated assault.

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Sheriff Reginald Scandrett told reporters Monday at a press conference that Lashonda Lay, Joseph Kimber and Dimarie Coulter have been helping Thomas evade arrest since the shooting. Lay and Kimber have been arrested, but Coulter remains at large and Scandrett said he believes she is “strongly helping him in his evading law enforcement at this time.” The three are all facing charges of felony hindering apprehension or punishment of a criminal.

“Anyone that is thought to be aiding and abetting any of these people that we’re looking for ... you’re going to jail,” Scandrett said. “We’re actively looking for them, actively following very good leads at this time frame, and we’re hoping that leads us to the apprehension of both suspects.”

On Friday, the sheriff’s office confirmed an incident occurred at Haddon Place apartments at about 1:30 p.m., but no details have been released. The name of the man Thomas is accused of killing has not been provided. As of Monday evening, the detention officer remained in critical condition, but was said to be stable.

The shooting prompted several law enforcement and SWAT vehicles to crowd parts of the complex for multiple hours, and crime scene tape was strung up around a wooded area.

According to a lookout alert, Thomas should be considered “armed and dangerous” and is also wanted in separate incidents in Miami, Florida, and Clayton County. A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest and indictment in Friday’s incident.

“Mr. Thomas, I recommend that you turn yourself in because we will not eat, sleep or get any rest until we take you into custody. Turn yourself in,” Scandrett previously said.

Anyone with information on Thomas’ whereabouts is asked to contact authorities at 404-577-8477 or 911. Those with information leading to Coulter’s arrest are asked to call 770-288-7108.

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