U.S. Marshals joined the search Thursday for a suspect after a Daytona Beach police officer was shot and seriously wounded, officials said.
Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young told reporters at a news conference that the 26-year-old officer was in critical condition after he was shot in the head Wednesday night.
“The surgery was fairly successful,” Young said. “He still has a long way to go.”
The officer’s name was not immediately released.
Authorities named the wanted suspect as Othal Wallace, 29. Young said the officer approached Wallace as he sat in a gray Honda HR-V and was shot while “escorting him out of the car.” It wasn’t immediately clear what drew the officer’s attention.
Young said more than 500 officers from various agencies had responded to help find Wallace, who officials said may have fled to the Atlanta area.
A search of an apartment near the shooting location revealed a rifle, numerous boxes of ammunition, a handgun, several high-capacity magazines and three ballistic vests, Young said. It wasn’t clear what Wallace’s connection to the apartment and the weapons might be.
“He should be considered armed and dangerous,” the chief said.
$100K REWARD for info leading to the capture of the suspect who shot a @DaytonaBchPD officer tonight. Vehicle is gray 2016 Honda HRV bearing CA tag 7TNX532. The suspect is believed to be Othal WALLACE, B/M, DOB: 03-30-92. He should be considered armed & dangerous. pic.twitter.com/28BPCwpShX
— Mike Chitwood (@SheriffChitwood) June 24, 2021
A Public Safety Alert known as a “Blue Alert” went out to cell phones around 1 p.m. Thursday as authorities ramped up their efforts to find the suspect. Blue Alerts are issued when there are incidents involving law enforcement and immediate attention is required.
A $100,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the capture of Wallace, who should be considered armed and dangerous.
Authorities said it is believed that Wallace is driving a gray 2016 Honda HRV with the California license plate number 7TNX532.
