Sheriff: Two fugitives arrested after barricading themselves in Byron home

Peach County’s SRT unit found Shane Yarhan Matlock and James Edwards Oakley after nearby residents were asked to evacuate.

BYRON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Two wanted men were arrested Thursday after a chase ended at a Byron home, where both were found hiding in the attic, according to Peach County Sheriff Robert “Buck” Shannon.

Shannon identified the men as 44-year-old Shane Yarhan Matlock and 48-year-old James Edwards Oakley.

Matlock is wanted locally and has felony warrants in Tennessee, Shannon said. Oakley is also wanted in Tennessee. The sheriff did not provide the specific charges.

According to Shannon, Peach County deputies and Byron police were assisting a U.S. Marshals fugitive unit when Matlock fled in a Honda van.

The short chase ended at Matlock’s mother’s home at Poppy Lane and New Havin Court. Shannon said Matlock left a female passenger in the van, ran into the house and barricaded himself inside. Oakley was already in the home.

The Peach County Sheriff’s Office activated its SRT unit. Neither man complied with commands to come outside, Shannon said. Both were found hiding in the attic and taken into custody.

Nearby residents were asked to evacuate for their safety. Students who live in the neighborhood were also taken back to their schools as a precaution, Shannon said.

Shannon said the area has been cleared. Byron police said earlier Thursday there was no threat to the neighborhood.