UPDATE 1/19/23: Statesboro Police Department has taken Dequar Stephenson into custody. More details will follow.
Statesboro Police Department (SPD) officers responded to an apartment in the Garden District located at 17931 GA-67 around 7:30 PM on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 to remove an unwanted person.
According to Statesboro Police Chief Mike Broadhead, Dequar Stephenson, 21 with a South Carolina address, allegedly broke into his girlfriends apartment in the complex. She was not home, but he contacted her and made her aware he was inside the apartment.
She called SPD and asked for them to remove him. When officers arrived Stephenson answered the door, but immediately closed the door and barricaded himself in the apartment.
SPD officers retreated, established a perimeter and called for more officers to the complex to assist. They also learned that Stephenson had a violent history including being out on bond for a murder charge in another jurisdiction. He also has active warrants for domestic violence.
Because of his history SPD activated their S.W.A.T. team to assist with extricating Stephenson from the apartment.
After spending several hours trying to establish communication with Stephenson and shooting several rounds of teargas into the apartment they made a forceable entry and searched the apartment. Stephenson was not in the apartment.
They now believe he escaped out of third story window when officers initially retreated to establish a perimeter and wait on back up to arrive at the scene.
Grice Connect received questions regarding a possible hostage being involved. There was NEVER a hostage situation. The girlfriend was not in the apartment.
Fugitive remains at large
As of 10:50 PM SPD officers remain in the complex and are searching a wooded area around the complex for Stephenson.
Residents of the complex and in the area are encouraged to use caution in the area and be alert to anything of concern. Stephenson is believed to be dangerous and possible armed. DO NOT APPROACH HIM. Contact SPD or call 911 if you see him.
Dequar Stephenson is a 21 year old black male, 5'9, thin build, short twists in his hair and was last seen wearing a dark colored hoody.
If anyone has information on the whereabout of Dequar Stephenson please contact the Statesboro Police Department at 912-764-9911 or submit an anonymous tip to [email protected].
This is a developing story. Grice Connect will provide updates as they become available.
