A tense situation unfolded in Gilmer County after a reported exchange of gunfire between a man and sheriff’s deputies prompted authorities to issue a shelter-in-place warning for residents near Yukon Road.
The incident led to a law enforcement search in the area and temporary road closures as officers worked to secure the scene. Authorities later confirmed that the man, identified as Neil Gary, had been taken into custody.
According to the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting occurred along the 2800 block of Yukon Road. Officials urged people living north of Appaloosa Drive and south of John Call Road near the affected area to stay indoors while deputies responded.
Residents were instructed to lock their doors and windows and remain inside until law enforcement provided further instructions.
“Please take this warning seriously and remain sheltered until law enforcement advises otherwise,” the sheriff’s office said in a public Facebook alert.
The warning was intended to help protect people in the surrounding area while officers worked to locate and secure the suspect.
Suspect Taken Into Custody After Search
Approximately an hour after the shelter-in-place alert was issued, authorities announced that Gary had been taken into custody.
Officials said he was receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained during the exchange of gunfire. Authorities have not publicly detailed the extent of those injuries or explained what led to the confrontation.
The circumstances surrounding the initial encounter between Gary and the deputies remain unclear. Investigators have not released information about what happened before the shots were fired or whether any other individuals were injured.
Parts of Yukon Road remained closed as authorities continued their investigation. Road restrictions can remain in place after an incident like this while investigators document the scene, collect evidence and establish the sequence of events.
Residents Urged To Follow Safety Instructions
The shelter-in-place warning highlighted the uncertainty residents can face during an active law enforcement response.
When authorities issue such alerts, people in the designated area are generally advised to stay indoors, secure doors and windows, avoid approaching the scene and follow official instructions until the warning is lifted.
Residents should rely on updates from local emergency officials for information about road closures and any changes to safety guidance rather than approaching the affected area.
In this case, the sheriff’s office identified specific boundaries for the warning, focusing on the area near Yukon Road between Appaloosa Drive and John Call Road.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
Although Gary is now in custody, several key questions remain unanswered.
Investigators have not explained what prompted the gunfire, whether deputies were responding to an earlier incident or what criminal charges may follow. Authorities also have not released further details about the evidence gathered at the scene.
Gary’s medical treatment may be one factor affecting when additional information becomes available, although officials have not stated whether that is delaying the investigation.
For now, the confirmed developments are that deputies exchanged gunfire with a man on Yukon Road, a shelter-in-place alert was issued for nearby residents, and Gary was subsequently taken into custody with injuries.
The investigation continues, and further information from the sheriff’s office may clarify what led to the confrontation and what happens next in the case.
