:: UPDATE::
Date: April 16, 2025
The suspect involved in this incident has been identified as 50 year old Shawn Murphy.
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ROCKDALE COUNTY – On Sunday April, 13, 2025, at approximately 2:35 AM, the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) conducted a traffic stop in the area of Old Salem Road and Underwood Road near Salem Lake. The driver of the vehicle exited and fled on foot, prompting a foot pursuit. During the chase, the suspect entered Salem Lake in an attempt to evade law enforcement.
The suspect swam across the lake as deputies established a perimeter around the area. At one point, the suspect re-entered the water and refused to comply with multiple verbal commands to exit.
Deputies eventually lost visual contact with the individual.
A search was immediately initiated with Rockdale County Fire Rescue (RCFD) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Due to low visibility and unsafe conditions, the search was paused until daybreak. At daybreak, the search and rescue efforts resumed with RCFD, EMS, and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), who were contacted and responded to assist in the search.
At approximately 7 PM, the body of the suspect was recovered from the lake.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Deputy C. Nesbitt
Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office
Public Information Officer (PIO)