Cherokee County Deputy Injured, Suspect at Large

JACKSONVILLE — Cherokee County authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating a man who they say injured a sheriff’s deputy. They are looking for Richard Ryan Cook, 42. He fled from a home on Farm Road 747 around 10:45 Friday morning.

The deputies were trying to serve Cook with a felony pardon and parole warrant. They say, as they approached his residence, Cook fled on a motorcycle, hitting one of the deputies. He is listed in good condition. Numerous law enforcement officers, aided by Department of Public Safety helicopter have spent hours unsuccessfully searching for Cook. Precinct One Justice of the Peace, Judge Brenda Dominy, has issued an arrest warrant for aggravated assault on a public servant using a deadly weapon.

Cook is described as being 5� 10�, weighing around 150 pounds. The motorcycle is described as a caf� style sport bike, purple and black in color with an unknown license plate number. Cook is considered armed and dangerous and officials warn citizens not to attempt to approach the subject and to call local law enforcement.