Weapon recovered from last week’s manhunt

Local law enforcement and volunteer firefighters successfully recovered the shotgun dropped by Michael Z. Haley during last week’s manhunt, following multiple search attempts over several days. A previous report incorrectly stated that the firearm had already been found at the time of the initial search.

Authorities first searched for the weapon on Wednesday, Jan. 29, using scent dogs and multiple officers on foot but were unable to locate it. A new search team was formed on Thursday morning, Jan. 30, consisting of 11 volunteers from the Albany Volunteer Fire Department, Shackelford County Rural Volunteer Fire Department, and a paramedic from Shackelford County EMS, assisting four law enforcement officers. The group located the shotgun within about two and a half hours.

The manhunt for Haley began on Tuesday, Jan. 28, when he led officers on a pursuit before abandoning his vehicle and fleeing on foot. Law enforcement, with assistance from multiple agencies and a DPS helicopter, conducted a daylong search that resulted in heightened concerns and a lockdown at Albany ISD. Haley was eventually taken into custody that evening, though his weapon remained unaccounted for until the Thursday search effort.

Additional details may become available as the investigation continues, and updates will be released as law enforcement provides more information.