Authorities say the teen is “armed and dangerous” and may face additional felony counts.
JONESBORO, Ga. — Clayton County deputies activated a fugitive squad on Sunday, Jan. 18, to search for a teenage suspect identified by the sheriff’s office as Lequan Stephens after a Saturday night shooting in metro Atlanta left one person wounded.
Investigators say the search is a top priority as they work to locate the teen, described by the sheriff’s office as armed and dangerous. The manhunt follows a shooting late Saturday, Jan. 17, that sent a victim to the hospital and prompted heightened patrols. The sheriff’s office also said the teen is wanted in connection with aggravated assault and criminal damage to property, and more felony charges could be added. The activation of a county fugitive squad signals an active search with additional personnel devoted to tracking tips and serving warrants.
Deputies said the shooting happened Saturday night while the victim sat inside a car. The person was shot in the face and taken to a hospital, where surgery was underway Sunday, according to officials. The sheriff’s office released the suspect’s name as Lequan Stephens and cautioned residents not to approach him. “We are treating this case with urgency,” Sheriff Levon Allen said in a brief statement, noting that the squad would pursue leads across the county and beyond. The office asked anyone with information to contact authorities as teams canvassed neighborhoods into the evening.
Officials said Stephens is already wanted on counts of aggravated assault and criminal damage to property connected to an earlier incident in 2025 in which shots were fired at a residence; no injuries were reported in that case. The current investigation centers on the weekend shooting and whether any additional suspects or weapons were involved. Deputies did not release a specific street location for the Saturday attack, citing the ongoing nature of the case. The sheriff’s office said more felony charges are possible pending interviews, ballistics testing and the victim’s medical status. The office did not immediately provide an update on the victim’s condition after surgery.
Clayton County sits just south of Atlanta and includes busy corridors near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The sheriff’s office has handled several high-profile searches in recent years, including neighborhood lockdowns during violent crime investigations. Records show that when fugitive squads are activated, deputies typically coordinate with area police departments and state or federal partners to check known addresses, review surveillance footage and follow electronic leads. Those efforts often continue overnight, especially after shootings tied to ongoing disputes.
Deputies said warrants are active and more could be signed as evidence is processed. Investigators planned to brief supervisors again late Sunday and early Monday to decide whether to expand the search radius. If arrests occur, first appearances at the county jail would be scheduled within 24 hours on the next court day. The sheriff’s office said it would share any major developments, including a capture or additional charges. No news conference had been scheduled as of Sunday evening.
On Sunday afternoon, patrol cars were visible along main routes through Jonesboro and unincorporated neighborhoods, and small groups gathered near corner stores discussing the search. “People are nervous, but they want this handled,” said Angela Morris, who lives off Tara Boulevard and watched deputies drive through her subdivision. “You see the lights and you hope they find him soon,” said Robert Greene, who stopped for gas near North Main Street. Deputies said they were reviewing video from nearby businesses and speaking with residents who reported hearing gunshots late Saturday.
As of late Sunday, the manhunt remained active and no arrest had been announced. Investigators said the next update would follow once leads are checked and lab work begins early this week.
Author note: Last updated January 19, 2026.