Search Continues: Man Wanted for Attempted Murder of Law Enforcement Officer

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Area News

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — Law enforcement officials are searching for Gary Jody Childers, who remains at large following a violent encounter with a DeKalb County Sheriff’s deputy on October 29, 2025. Childers is wanted on charges of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer after allegedly opening fire on a deputy during a traffic stop.

According to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy attempted to stop a white van driven by Childers, who was already wanted on an active warrant for felon in possession of a firearm. When the deputy activated his blue lights, the van initially appeared to pull over — then suddenly accelerated.

Moments later, Childers allegedly extended a handgun out of the driver’s window and fired multiple shots at the pursuing deputy, striking the patrol vehicle. The pursuit came to an end when the suspect’s van crashed into a utility pole, after which Childers fled on foot into a nearby area. Despite an immediate search, he has not yet been located.

Authorities have issued an active warrant for attempted murder, and are asking the public for assistance in locating him.

Suspect Description:

• Name: Gary Jody Childers

• Age: 50

• Race: White male

• Height: 6’3”

• Weight: 200 lbs

• Hair: Brown

• Eyes: Blue

Anyone with information about Childers’ whereabouts is urged to contact Investigator Weston Fortner with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office at 256-899-2225 or by email at wfortner@dekalbcountysheriff.org.

Law enforcement officials advise the public not to approach the suspect, as he should be considered armed and dangerous.

The Weekly Ledger News will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.