Cordele Police officer placed on administrative leave following on-duty incident

Earlier this afternoon, the CPD received a call reporting that a male subject with multiple active felony warrants, who was known to carry a firearm, had been seen in the area of Joe Wright Drive and 16th Ave. Officers immediately responded, but the suspect fled shortly after contact was made.

A short time later, additional information was received that the suspect had entered a red Dodge Charger. Officers soon located a vehicle matching that description and initiated a felony traffic stop due to the suspects violent history. After the stop, it was determined that the wanted suspect was not inside the vehicle. The driver was found to have no connection to the suspect and was released from the scene.

During the course of the stop, a secondary interaction with a witness occurred. The circumstances surrounding both the initial stop, and the secondary interaction with the witness are currently under investigation. In line with department policy, the officer involved has been placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation.