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Officers currently searching for Dylan Isaiah Thomas

TRYON– On Friday, January 13, around 7:15 p.m., Polk County dispatch received a 911 call from a victim stating that they were being shot at by a passenger of another vehicle in the area of Lynn Rd. The caller described the vehicle as a white Volkswagen bug. 

Deputies with Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene as the caller continued to update the 911 center of the vehicle’s whereabouts. 

A vehicle matching the description given to authorities was found parked in the Food Lion parking lot in Columbus. When deputies approached the vehicle, the front passenger fled on foot, ran through Food Lion and out an emergency exit near the back of the store, breaking a glass door in the process.

Identified as Dylan Isaiah Thomas, the suspect escaped into a wooded area. Polk County deputies and officers from Tryon and Columbus Police Departments extensively searched the area, utilizing K-9 officers for support, but were ultimately unable to locate him. 

Polk County detectives responded to the scene to process evidence and conduct further investigation. The detectives continued their work throughout the weekend. 

A firearm believed to have been used in the shooting was recovered from the stopped vehicle and detectives concluded that the incident took place after a personal relationship dispute. 

Warrants for Dylan Isaiah Thomas have been issued by a magistrate. 

Polk County Sheriff’s Office encourages anybody with any information on Thomas’ whereabouts to contact them through the Communications Center at (828) 894-0187.