Point Washington Manhunt Over

UPDATED: Bay students being transported to high school due to manhunt in progress




August 28, 2009 2:10 PM



2:32 p.m.
Parents with children at Bay schools should go to South Walton High School. All students from the elementary schools in Point Washington are being transported to the high school as the school is in a lock down.

2nd UPDATE 2:24 P.M.
Chick Huettel said he was standing in his yard when he heard a bullet hit the side of his house. He said he dove under the house and hid as the suspect ran by him waiving a gun.
Huettel is a resident on Mitchell Avenue.
After the suspect left his yard, law enforcement officials asked Heuttel to watch for the suspect from his dock. Heuttel is a former law enforcement officer.
As he was speaking to The Sun, both Huettel and his wife, Cathy, said they heard another shot fired.

UPDATE: According to David Reynolds at 221 Mitchell Avenue, there are "three canine units in the area and several law enforcement officers."
Reynolds said at 2:05 p.m., law enforcement officials did come through his backyard searching for the individual.
Reynolds said all of the neighbors have been good about contacting one another and keeping each other up to date on what is going on.
Both Point Washington Schools are in lockdown at this time. No traffic is being allowed into the area. Everyone is urged to avoid the area

It is being reported that the suspect may be holed up in an unocupied house (reported by the next door neighbor's son) on East Mitchell. The OSO, WSO, FWC, and FBI are surrounding the house.

I think the news flash changed to say the pick up @ high school.

that is correct. all students from Bay and South Walton Montessori are being transported by bus to South Walton High School for parents to pick them up there.

It is being reported that the suspect may be holed up in an unocupied house (reported by the next door neighbor's son) on East Mitchell. The OSO, WSO, FWC, and FBI are surrounding the house.

thanks AM. I heard this too. until we hear officially, everyone please stay inside with doors locked!

Copied this from the Walton County Sheriff website.....


The Walton County Sheriff's Office is currently in the Point Washington area searching for a robbery suspect.

Students from Bay Elementary School are being bused to the South Walton High School. Parents may pick up their children at the high school.

The suspect is Matheos S. Pitikas DOB 10/16/84. He is a white male 5' 6" 175 lbs. He was wearing blue shorts and no shirt. He has brown hair and a goatee. He was last seen in the East Point Washington area. The subject is considered armed and dangerous.

We are still urging people in the area between Highway 285 and Highway 393 to stay in their home and keep their doors locked. Do not unlock your doors under any circumstances unless a uniform patrol officer ask you to do so.

This dude is about to make the biggest decision in his life.

A deputy at the school told us they have not located the suspect yet, they are still searching.

395 is now open. Suspect believed to have stolen a vehicle and was seen in Inlet Beach but not positive ID yet. Police still searching both locations.

WJHG in PCB reports the search is still on, a deputy was shot and the suspect supposedly got a ride in a gray pick-up and is believed to be in the area north of Rosemary Beach close to Inlet beach. Latest info I have, sorry, no more.

Just a rumor! He is still in Pt Washington somewhere.

Just a rumor! He is still in Pt Washington somewhere.

WTF? Does anyone actually know if we can leave our homes, or if anyone can enter the area?

I left East PW to get my son at 4. They let me back in at 5ish. A friend called SWSO and they said he has not yet been caught. Helicopters are circling right now over Eden Drive.
I am not sure if anyone can get up Bay Drive yet or not.

Is he actually in Inlet Beach? Or is it really a rumor? Where is everyone getting their information, because I can't find a news station. Only a Facebook, news article and this thread.

Highways open to residents with identification

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August 28, 2009 5:58 PM

Staff Reports
Daily News
Highway 283 will be opened up to local traffic only. Proof that you live there must be presented to obtain entrance, according to the Walton County Sheriff's Office.
Highway 395 is also open to traffic.

http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/suspect-20124-deputy-truck.html

Still at Large

Just got off the phone with Sherrif's office & the only thing they could confirm is that they have not apprehended him yet...

NBC Channel 7

Is he actually in Inlet Beach? Or is it really a rumor? Where is everyone getting their information, because I can't find a news station. Only a Facebook, news article and this thread.

NBC channel 7 reported that tidbit, but they also said the preschools were still on lock down (which they are not).

Just now the helicopter was flying very low over the bayou area near Eden State Park, circling several times and there are police boats heading out to the Intracoastal and heading west.

Update 6:00 p.m.
County Road 395 and Highway 98 are now open to traffic. County Road 283 is open to local traffic only. You must show proof of residence to travel on 283. Residents in the area between County Road 283 and County Road 395 are being urged to be on alert. The map shown on News 13 Live at Five was incorrect due to a typo in a release from the Walton County Sheriff’s Office although the verbal information was accurate.

My husband just left the neighborhood and he was told they are still searching and his truck was searched thoroughly!

Just spoke with a friend that spoke with a SO Deputy at Shades on the east end of 30A, suspect has NOT BEEN captured, still on the run in Inlet Beach area.

Suspect in Inlet Beach?

I live across the street from Shades and we have been told to stay in our homes becaseu they have not found the man yet.

Anything new? I'm ready to go eat.

Oh No.....I hate that it is getting dark
and they haven't found him yet!

Anything new? I'm ready to go eat.

Go eat. This could go on all night....(but hopefully not!).

We are off E. Pt. Washington- dogs and police officers just walked up the street. They have let us back in, but have not caught the guy. We are leaving soon- I am pissed that we were allowed to come home and they have no idea where he is.

I am just off EPW... K9 units in yard next door and armed agents just left my house after going around the yard and looking in the vehicles. More official vehicles on my street than have been all day.