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UPDATE: The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office announced on April 16, 2025 that the suspect has been identified as Shawn Murphy. No additional information was provided.
ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA — The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) is investigating the apparent drowning of a suspect who fled from deputies and entered Salem Lake early this morning, April 13.
According to authorities, deputies initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of Old Salem Road and Underwood Road, near Salem Lake around 2:35 a.m. The driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot, prompting a pursuit. During the chase, the suspect entered the lake to evade deputies.
Deputies observed the suspect swimming across the lake as a perimeter was established. At one point, the suspect re-entered the water and failed to comply with multiple verbal commands to exit. Deputies eventually lost visual contact with the suspect.
A search was immediately launched with assistance from Rockdale County Fire Rescue (RCFD) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Due to low visibility and hazardous conditions, the search was suspended overnight and resumed at daybreak with support from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
At approximately 7 p.m., the suspect’s body was recovered from Salem Lake, RCSO said
The incident remains under active investigation. Additional details will be released as they become available, authorities said.