26-Year-Old Timothy Craig Ramsey Arrested for Assaulting Police Officer Brantly Worley

In a shocking incident that has gripped the small town of McCaysville, Georgia, and sent ripples through neighboring states, 26-year-old Timothy Craig Ramsey has been arrested following the critical injury of a local police captain. The event, which unfolded late on the night of September 12, 2025, has highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in even the most routine calls. Timothy Craig Ramsey, a resident of McCaysville, allegedly opened fire on Captain Brantley Worley, a dedicated officer with the McCaysville Police Department, during what was supposed to be a simple response to a report of a suspicious person.

The incident occurred in the quiet border town of McCaysville, nestled in Fannin County near the Tennessee line, a place known more for its scenic Appalachian beauty than for violent crime. On that fateful Friday night, the peace was shattered around 11:10 p.m. when McCaysville Police Department officers were dispatched to First Street following reports of a suspicious individual lingering in the area. Captain Brantley Worley, a three-year veteran of the department and a well-respected figure in the community, was among the first to arrive at the scene. What began as a standard welfare check quickly escalated into a life-threatening confrontation.

According to statements from McCaysville Police Chief Michael Otis Earley, the suspect, later identified as Timothy Craig Ramsey, did not comply with officers’ commands and instead pulled out a firearm, firing directly at Worley. The shot struck the captain in the face, specifically the throat area, causing severe injuries including a broken neck and a brain bleed. Eyewitness accounts from the scene, corroborated by initial police reports, describe a chaotic moment where Worley collapsed, and Ramsey fled on foot into the surrounding wooded areas.

Emergency medical services, including personnel from the Pickens County Fire Rescue—where Worley also serves part-time as a firefighter and EMT—responded immediately. Due to the severity of his wounds, Worley was airlifted to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he underwent emergency surgery and remains in critical condition as of September 14, 2025. The attack on Worley was not just a random act but appeared premeditated in its execution, as Ramsey allegedly ambushed the officer without provocation. Chief Earley, in a heartfelt public address, described the shooting as a “brutal” assault, emphasizing that Worley was simply doing his duty to protect the community.

Ramsey, described by authorities as a white male, 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing approximately 185 pounds, with blue eyes and long brown hair, was last seen fleeing the scene wearing a distinctive bright green chemical-resistant suit. This unusual attire raised immediate concerns among investigators, suggesting possible prior planning or an attempt to evade detection in the dense foliage. The GBI quickly classified Ramsey as armed and extremely dangerous, issuing warnings to residents in Fannin, Gilmer, and Union counties to avoid any contact with him and to report sightings immediately.

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As news of the shooting spread, the local community was thrust into a state of heightened alert. McCaysville, with its population of just over 1,000, is unaccustomed to such violence, and the incident has left residents reeling. Social media posts from local churches, such as Oak Grove Baptist Church in nearby Adairsville, have flooded with prayers for Worley, portraying him as a “brother everyone enjoys being around.”

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His dual roles in law enforcement and emergency services underscore his commitment to public safety, making the attack all the more personal for those who know him. Worley’s family, including his children, have been at the forefront of community support efforts, with vigils planned in the coming days. The emotional toll on his colleagues cannot be overstated; Chief Earley has publicly asked for thoughts and prayers for the entire department during this “extremely difficult time.”

The Arrest of Timothy Craig Ramsey: A Tense Manhunt Concludes

The hours following the shooting saw an unprecedented mobilization of law enforcement resources, transforming the serene North Georgia landscape into a scene from a high-stakes thriller. With Ramsey on the loose and believed to be traveling on foot through the rugged terrain near the Georgia-Tennessee border, the GBI took the lead in coordinating a multi-state manhunt. By the early hours of September 13, 2025, a Blue Alert was issued—not just in Georgia but extending into North Carolina—to enlist public assistance in locating the suspect.

Blue Alerts are reserved for cases involving serious harm to law enforcement officers, underscoring the gravity of Worley’s condition and the potential threat Ramsey posed to the public. The manhunt involved dozens of agencies, including the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office, Fannin County authorities, and even support from Tennessee law enforcement. Ground teams, K-9 units, and aerial surveillance scoured the wooded areas outside McCaysville city limits, where Ramsey was believed to be hiding.

The GBI released photos of the suspect, emphasizing his distinctive green suit and urging anyone with information to contact 911. The alert reached cell phones across multiple counties, creating a widespread network of vigilant citizens. Tensions ran high as false sightings and tips poured in, but the breakthrough came around 6:15 p.m. on September 13, when a tip about a suspicious person in a wooded area led officers directly to Ramsey’s location. According to GBI spokesperson and McCaysville Chief Earley, Ramsey was apprehended without further incident after an hours-long standoff. He surrendered peacefully, though he was found in possession of the firearm believed to have been used in the shooting.

The arrest site, just beyond the city limits, was cordoned off as evidence collection began, with investigators meticulously documenting the scene to build a airtight case. Ramsey was immediately transported to the Fannin County Jail, where he was booked on charges of aggravated assault with intent to murder a police officer. Additional charges, such as attempted murder or fleeing the scene, may be forthcoming as the investigation progresses. Authorities have confirmed that Ramsey is a local resident, adding a layer of shock to the community, as no prior connections between him and Worley have been disclosed.

The efficiency of the manhunt has been praised by officials, who credit the Blue Alert system and public cooperation for the quick resolution. In a press release, the GBI noted that Ramsey’s capture prevented potential further harm, as he was considered “extremely dangerous.” Interviews with responding officers reveal the exhaustion and relief felt after the operation; one anonymous source from the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office described the search as “intense but focused,” with every team member driven by the need to bring justice for their fellow officer.

As Ramsey awaits his initial court appearance, expected within the next few days, the focus shifts from pursuit to prosecution. Legal experts familiar with Georgia law indicate that the charges carry severe penalties, potentially including life imprisonment if convicted, given the intent to murder element and the victim’s status as a peace officer. This arrest not only closes the immediate chapter of the manhunt but also prompts questions about Ramsey’s background and motives.

Preliminary investigations suggest no immediate ties to larger criminal networks, but deeper probes into his personal history are underway. Neighbors and acquaintances have expressed disbelief, describing Ramsey as unremarkable in daily life, which only heightens the unpredictability of such events. The community’s response has been one of unity, with local businesses closing early to allow for search operations and residents forming informal watch groups. The successful apprehension serves as a testament to inter-agency collaboration in an era where threats to law enforcement are increasingly complex.

Implications and Community Response: Healing in the Wake of Violence

The shooting of Captain Brantley Worley and the subsequent arrest of Timothy Craig Ramsey have far-reaching implications beyond the immediate legal proceedings, touching on issues of public safety, mental health, and support for first responders. In a nation grappling with rising tensions around law enforcement interactions, this incident in rural Georgia serves as a poignant example of the unforeseen dangers officers face daily. The Blue Alert’s extension into North Carolina highlights how such events can transcend state lines, necessitating broader awareness and preparedness.

As Worley fights for his life in Chattanooga, the story has garnered national attention, appearing on major news outlets and sparking discussions on officer safety protocols. One key implication is the vulnerability exposed in small-town policing. McCaysville’s police department, like many in similar communities, operates with limited resources, relying on officers like Worley to wear multiple hats—including part-time firefighting duties. The ambush-style attack raises concerns about the need for enhanced training in de-escalation and rapid response tactics, even for low-threat calls.

Advocacy groups for law enforcement have already called for increased funding for body cameras and protective gear in under-resourced areas. Moreover, the incident underscores the psychological impact on surviving officers; departments nationwide report spikes in PTSD and morale issues following such events. Chief Earley’s plea for prayers extends to his team’s mental health, signaling a proactive approach to support services.

The community’s response has been overwhelmingly supportive, transforming tragedy into a display of solidarity. Vigils at the McCaysville Police Department headquarters have drawn hundreds, with candles and American flags lining the streets. Local churches, including Oak Grove Baptist, have organized prayer chains, and online fundraisers for Worley’s family are gaining traction. Residents like longtime McCaysville shop owner Maria Gonzalez told reporters, “Brantley is one of us—he’s always there for the kids, the elderly. This hits close to home.”

The Pickens County Fire Rescue, Worley’s secondary employer, issued a statement lauding his character and committing to cover any medical expenses not handled by workers’ compensation. This outpouring reflects a tight-knit Appalachian culture where community bonds are strong, but it also reveals underlying anxieties about safety in an otherwise peaceful area. Looking ahead, the recovery process for Worley will be arduous. Medical updates indicate he is stable but critical, with surgeries addressing the neck fracture and brain bleed.

Neurosurgeons at Erlanger Hospital have expressed cautious optimism, noting that Worley’s youth and fitness level—honed from his EMT work—may aid his prognosis. However, long-term rehabilitation could involve months of therapy, potentially affecting his ability to return to duty. His family has requested privacy, but supporters continue to send messages of encouragement. For Ramsey, the legal system will now take center stage, with a preliminary hearing likely to reveal more about the motive behind the assault. Investigators are exploring whether personal grievances or substance issues played a role, though no official motive has been released.

This event also prompts broader societal reflection on violence against police. Statistics from the GBI and national databases show a troubling uptick in assaults on officers in recent years, often stemming from routine encounters. In Georgia alone, over 500 such incidents were reported in 2024, with firearms involved in a significant portion. The McCaysville case could influence policy discussions at the state level, potentially leading to stricter penalties for attacks on law enforcement. As the community heals, stories like Worley’s resilience and the swift justice against Ramsey offer hope amid the horror. McCaysville’s spirit, forged in the mountains, will undoubtedly endure, but this incident forever alters its narrative.

In conclusion, the arrest of Timothy Craig Ramsey marks a critical turning point in this harrowing saga, but the full story is far from over. As Captain Brantley Worley battles back from the brink, the outpouring of support from across the region exemplifies the best of American communities. This news event, while tragic, reinforces the valor of those who serve and protect, reminding us all of the fragile line between ordinary nights and extraordinary crises. Updates will continue as new developments arise, but for now, the focus remains on recovery and justice.