CCSO Assists Blackshear Police Department in Armed Robbery Investigation

Tony Hatch Harper, 26, Douglas, GA

COFFEE COUNTY, Ga.— The Coffee County Sheriff's Office assisted the Blackshear Police Department in the successful apprehension of two suspects wanted in connection with an armed robbery that occurred in the City of Blackshear.

On July 22, 2026, officers with the Blackshear Police Department responded to an armed robbery in the 500 block of McDuffie Street. During the investigation, detectives identified the suspect vehicle and determined the individuals responsible had traveled from Douglas to Blackshear before committing the crime.

Investigators identified the suspects as 26-year-old Tony Hatch Harper of Douglas and a 13-year-old juvenile from Douglas. The Blackshear Police Department requested assistance from Agents with the Douglas Coffee Drug Unit (DCDU) & The D.I.C.E. Unit in locating the suspects.

On July 23, 2026, Agents with DCDU & D.I.C.E. worked alongside investigators from the Blackshear Police Department to locate both suspects in Coffee County.

Through the coordinated efforts of both agencies, the suspects were safely taken into custody without incident and turned over to the Blackshear Police Department to face charges related to the armed robbery. Because one suspect is a juvenile, no identifying information will be released.

Sheriff Fred Cole praised the partnership between the two agencies and reaffirmed his commitment to assisting law enforcement partners throughout the region.

"If you commit a crime in another community and think you can hide in Coffee County, think again. We will work alongside any law enforcement agency necessary to find you, arrest you, and make sure you answer for your actions. There is no safe haven for criminals in Coffee County." - Sheriff Fred Cole

Tony Hatch Harper is presumed innocent until convicted.