Bibb County Manhunt: Nicholas Floyd, 18, Sought After Violent Crime Spree Involving Shooting, Arson, and Child Hostage
Bibb County, GA — July 16, 2025 — Authorities are urgently searching for 18-year-old Nicholas Ishmael Floyd, who is suspected of committing a series of violent acts across the county that have left one woman injured, a home destroyed, and a child held hostage before escaping from law enforcement.
🔥 Timeline of Events
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House Set Ablaze & Woman Shot
Around 9:07 p.m. on July 15, deputies responded to a fire and shooting at a home on Madden Avenue. Investigators say Floyd shot a 52-year-old woman at that location and then intentionally set the residence ablaze. -
Child Taken Hostage
Floyd then allegedly drove to the 4000 block of Summer Hill Drive, taking a 12-year-old boy hostage inside a second home. A tense standoff ensued between Floyd and law enforcement -
SWAT Rescue & Floyd’s Escape
SWAT teams and hostage negotiators eventually breached the property, rescuing the unharmed boy and reuniting him with his family. However, Floyd managed to flee before authorities could take him into custody
🚨 Suspect Description & Status
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Name: Nicholas Ishmael Floyd
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Age: 18
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Description: Black male, approximately 6’1″ and 150 lbs
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Status: Considered armed and dangerous; authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office immediately at (478) 751‑7500
🏥 Victims and Community Impact
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Woman Victim: The 52-year-old shooting victim was taken to a nearby hospital and is currently in stable condition .
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Child Hostage: The 12-year-old was unharmed during the incident and has since been safely reunited with their family
The Bibb County community is on edge following the harrowing events, particularly hard since the crimes targeted both a family home and a child.
👮♂️ Law Enforcement Response
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A full-scale manhunt is underway, with SWAT teams, patrol deputies, and hostage negotiators continuing to search Floyd’s last known locations
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Investigators are collecting forensic evidence from both crime scenes and canvassing the neighborhood for surveillance footage or eyewitness accounts.
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Deputies stress the suspect is considered armed and volatile, urging the public not to approach him and to call 911 or the tip line immediately.
🔍 Broader Concerns and Safety Alerts
The severity of these offenses—arson, shooting, hostage-taking—has prompted urgent appeals for community vigilance. Officials are urging:
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Caution in interactions with unfamiliar individuals exhibiting threatening behavior.
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Neighbors to secure home security or surveillance systems and report suspicious activity.
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Immediate contact with law enforcement if Nicholas Floyd is seen or approached.
🛡️ What’s Being Done
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Additional patrols in affected neighborhoods are being conducted to safeguard residents.
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Local schools and childcare centers have been notified to increase alertness and review safety protocols.
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Psychological support services are being made available to families affected and neighbors traumatized by the ordeal.
📌 Summary
Nicholas Ishmael Floyd is suspected to have shot a woman, set a nearby house on fire, and abducted a 12-year-old boy before fleeing an armed confrontation with law enforcement in Bibb County. Law enforcement is actively searching for him, describing him as armed and dangerous, and they are urging anyone with information to come forward. The community remains on high alert as officials continue their investigation and manhunt.