BREAKING: Sheriff Launches Manhunt for 'Armed and Dangerous' 16-Year-Old Suspect
- 17GEN4
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
CLAYTON COUNTY, GA. — Authorities in Clayton County have mobilized a full-scale search for a 16-year-old boy described as armed and dangerous, prompting urgent public alerts across the metro Atlanta area on Sunday, January 18, 2026.The Clayton County Sheriff's Office, under Sheriff Levon Allen, activated its Fugitive Squad to track down Lequan Stephens, who is wanted on felony charges including aggravated assault and criminal damage to property. Officials warned that additional felony charges are pending and emphasized that the teenager should be considered armed and extremely dangerous.
In a public notice shared via social media and local news outlets, the sheriff's office urged residents not to approach Stephens if sighted. Instead, anyone with information is asked to contact the Clayton County Sheriff's Office immediately or dial 911.
The manhunt comes amid heightened concerns over juvenile crime in the region, with authorities deploying specialized resources to apprehend the suspect swiftly. Details surrounding the alleged incident that led to the charges have not been fully released, but the sheriff's office described the situation as serious enough to warrant the "armed and dangerous" designation.
Stephens is believed to be in the Clayton County area or nearby metro Atlanta communities. Law enforcement has not disclosed specific last-known locations or physical descriptions beyond the provided booking photo circulated by the department.
Sheriff Allen and his team are continuing to coordinate efforts, with updates expected as the investigation progresses. Local media, including Atlanta News First, 11Alive, FOX 5 Atlanta, and WSB-TV, have all reported on the active search, amplifying the call for public vigilance.
Anyone with information is strongly encouraged to come forward anonymously if preferred, as officials work to bring the situation to a safe resolution. This developing story will be updated as more details become available.
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