Opinion

Discussion

June 6, 2012

Editorial: Manhunt for Neal shows vigilance of community

Thanks to some alert citizens and law enforcement officers from across the region, police arrested Adolph Ray “Sonny” Neal just eight days after he allegedly murdered his wife and her grandfather.

While officials put out a nationwide “be on the lookout” alert for Neal shortly after the killings in Dawnville, the manhunt centered mostly on the northern part of Whitfield County.

Agents from more than a dozen law enforcement agencies took part in the search, which included a helicopter from the Georgia State Patrol and a K-9 unit from the Georgia Department of Corrections. At the height of the search there were around 200 officers on the scene. But the search also involved many others helping behind the scenes.

Two residents spotted Neal in the Varnell area Wednesday, leading to an intensive search that day. Officials didn’t apprehend Neal then. But another resident spotted Neal Thursday afternoon, and within minutes police had him in custody.

Authorities say the manhunt, especially the intensive search on Wednesday, kept Neal pinned down and unable to move about freely. It may also have prevented further bloodshed.

Residents of Whitfield County and surrounding areas no doubt were a little uncomfortable for a few days, believing that an accused murderer was loose among them. But they can sleep easier now, knowing the suspect has been arrested. And they can feel confident in the future that law enforcement and vigilant citizens are at watch over the community.

Text Only
Opinion

Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
AP Video
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam Raw: Kevin Durant Tours Moore After $1M Pledge Weiner Launches Bid to Become NYC Mayor Okla. Teens Get Video of Deadly Tornado Overhead Man Shot While Questioned in Boston Probe School Storm Protection Spotty in Tornado Zones 9-year-old Tornado Victim Loved Family, Singing Moore Native Toby Keith Tours Tornado Damage Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage Okla. City Mayor: Up to 13K Homes Hit by Tornado Raw: Aftermath of Deadly Attack in London Paperless Scanner, Vision of the Future Florida FBI Shooting Has Boston Bombing Links Garcetti Elected Los Angeles Mayor Over Greuel Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado IRS Official Pleads 5th Amendment Lawyer: Feds Investigating Susan Powell Case