Breaking News Update: One Suspect in Custody After Multi-Agency Search in Centre; Two Others Remain at Large

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Breaking News Update - 4:10PM Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025

CENTRE, Ala. — Law enforcement agencies in Cherokee County continue to investigate after a pursuit early Sunday led to a crash in Centre and a multi-hour search for suspects connected to an armed robbery reported in Floyd County, Georgia. Officials have confirmed that one of the three suspects has been apprehended, while two remain at large.

A large law enforcement presence was reported in the area of W. Main Street and S. River Street after authorities located a vehicle believed to be connected to the Floyd County armed robbery. According to officials, the suspect vehicle was first located on Cedar Bluff Road, and a pursuit ensued. The vehicle later crashed on W. Main Street, and the suspects fled the scene on foot.

According to a statement from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and the Centre Police Department located and took one suspect into custody earlier in the morning.

The suspect has been identified as Jeffrey Lamar Smith, 23, of Gadsden.

Image courtesy of CCSO of Jeffrey Lamar Smith, 23, of Gadsden.

Smith was found hiding in a dumpster off West Main Street near Watson Drive, authorities said.

CCSO reports that Smith has been charged with Attempt to Elude. The armed robbery itself remains under investigation by the Floyd County Police Department in Georgia, and additional charges are expected.

Throughout the night, personnel from multiple agencies — including the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Centre Police Department, Leesburg Police Department, Cherokee County Rescue, and Cherokee County EMA — searched the area for the remaining suspects.

The search effort included the use of multiple unmanned aerial systems (drones).

Two suspects connected to the incident remain at large. Authorities have not yet released additional descriptive details or identities.

Residents in and around the search area were previously urged to:

• remain indoors

• lock doors and windows

• report suspicious activity immediately

Officials continue to encourage the community to remain alert and call 911 if anything suspicious is observed.

The Weekly Ledger News has requested additional information from law enforcement; however, no further details have been released at this time.

This remains an active and developing investigation involving multiple agencies in Alabama and Georgia. Authorities say they are working diligently with the Floyd County Police Department to apprehend the remaining suspects.

We will continue to update this story as verified information becomes available from law enforcement.

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