Georgia Fugitive Captured After Jumping Into Weiss Lake, Hiding in Mud Creek Area

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Local News | Wednesday, September 2, 2026

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ala. — A Georgia fugitive was taken into custody in Cherokee County Wednesday afternoon after authorities said he fled from deputies, jumped into Weiss Lake and later hid in a swampy area near Mud Creek.

According to a press release from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies went to a campground in the Wildwood Cove area off County Road 182 to serve a warrant on behalf of the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia.

Deputies located 33-year-old Eric Carl Virta of Cartersville, Georgia. When deputies attempted to take him into custody, authorities said Virta ran and jumped into the water.

Virta reportedly crossed to the other side and entered the Kirk’s Grove/Mud Creek area.

Deputies responded to the area and began searching for Virta. The search continued for more than an hour before deputies located him hiding in a swampy area in Mud Creek. He was taken into custody without further incident, and no injuries were reported.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Marine Patrol transported Virta and the deputies back across the water by boat.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Virta had outstanding warrants from Floyd County, Georgia, related to a probation violation involving:

• Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

• Possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime

• Terroristic threats and acts

Virta was also charged in Cherokee County with fugitive from justice and attempting to elude.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office thanked the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Leesburg Police Department and Cedar Bluff Police Department for their assistance.

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