PERRY, Fla. — A quiet weekend in Taylor County has been shattered by a brutal act of violence, launching a massive manhunt across North Florida for a suspect police describe as “armed and extremely dangerous.” The Perry Police Department (PPD) has issued an urgent BOLO (Be On the Lookout) for 48-year-old Ulysses Woodfaulk Jr., who is wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of Austin Shane Wilkinson.

The incident, which occurred at a popular local convenience store known to residents as Choo Choos, has left the close-knit community of Perry on edge. As of Sunday, February 8, 2026, Woodfaulk remains at large, having fled the scene on foot moments after the shooting. Law enforcement agencies are urging residents to remain vigilant, lock their doors, and report any sightings immediately, warning that the suspect has a violent criminal history and should not be approached under any circumstances.

Breaking: Violence at Choo Choos

The tragedy unfolded at Choo Choos Convenience Store, a local landmark and frequent stop for residents in Perry. According to investigators, the situation escalated rapidly. While specific details regarding the motive or the interaction leading up to the gunfire remain under investigation, the outcome was immediate and devastating. The Shooting: Witnesses report that shots rang out at the establishment, turning a routine errand into a crime scene.

• The Victim: Austin Shane Wilkinson was struck by gunfire. Despite the immediate response of local emergency services, his injuries proved fatal. The sudden loss of Wilkinson has sent shockwaves through the community, where many families have lived for generations and know one another by name.

• The Flight: Immediately following the shooting, the suspect—identified by witnesses and surveillance footage as Ulysses Woodfaulk Jr.—fled the premises on foot. Police believe he is still in possession of the handgun used in the killing.

The Scene: Within minutes of the 911 call, units from the Perry Police Department and the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office descended on the scene. The convenience store was cordoned off with yellow crime scene tape as forensic technicians began the grim task of marking evidence and documenting the site of the homicide. “We are treating this as an active and dangerous situation,” said a police spokesperson at the scene. “Our priority right now is locating the suspect before anyone else gets hurt.”

The Suspect: Ulysses Woodfaulk Jr.

The manhunt is focused squarely on Ulysses Woodfaulk Jr., a man whose background has prompted extreme caution from law enforcement. Description:

• Name: Ulysses Woodfaulk Jr.

• Age: 48.

• Status: At Large / Fugitive.

• Warning: Armed and Extremely Dangerous.

Criminal History: The Perry Police Department has released disturbing details about Woodfaulk’s past to underscore the threat he poses to the public. According to official records, Woodfaulk is not a stranger to the legal system and has a history of violent behavior.

• Violent Tendencies: His criminal record includes charges for battery on law enforcement officers, indicating a willingness to engage physically with police.

• Escapes: Perhaps most concerning for the current manhunt is his history of “prior escapes.” This suggests that Woodfaulk is elusive, knows how to evade capture, and is desperate to avoid returning to custody.

• Weapons Charges: He faces multiple prior weapons-related charges, painting a picture of an individual who is habitually armed and comfortable using firearms.

Current Charges: Warrants have been officially filed against Woodfaulk for the events at Choo Choos. He is facing:

1. First-Degree Murder While Armed: A charge that carries the possibility of life imprisonment or the death penalty in Florida, reflecting the premeditated or felony nature of the killing.

2. Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon: Confirming that Woodfaulk was legally prohibited from owning a gun at the time of the shooting.

The Victim: Remembering Austin Shane Wilkinson

Amidst the sirens and the search grids, the community is mourning the loss of Austin Shane Wilkinson. While police have not released extensive details about Wilkinson’s life to protect the privacy of his grieving family, the outpouring of sorrow on local social media pages speaks volumes. A Community’s Loss: In a town the size of Perry, a murder is not just a statistic; it is a personal blow to the community fabric.

• “Senseless”: Residents are struggling to understand why a trip to a convenience store ended in death. The randomness and suddenness of the violence have left friends and family reeling.

• Tributes: Friends describe Austin as a valued member of the community. As the investigation continues, vigils and memorials are expected to be organized to honor his memory. “He didn’t deserve this,” wrote one resident on the police department’s Facebook page. “Austin was just living his life. We need justice for him.”

The Manhunt: A City on Lockdown

The search for Ulysses Woodfaulk Jr. has turned Perry into a hub of police activity. Tactical Operations: The Perry Police Department is leading the investigation, but they are likely being supported by the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office and potentially state agencies like the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) given the severity of the crime and the suspect’s flight risk.

• K-9 Units: Police dogs have been deployed to track Woodfaulk’s scent from the convenience store. Since he fled on foot, investigators are hoping to trace his path through the surrounding neighborhoods or wooded areas.

• Perimeter Established: Officers have set up a perimeter around the area where he was last seen, but given the time that has passed, the search radius is expanding.

• Surveillance: Detectives are pulling footage not just from Choo Choos, but from neighboring businesses and residential doorbell cameras to determine which direction Woodfaulk headed.

Public Safety Alert: Authorities have issued a stern warning to the public. “Do not approach this individual,” the alert reads. “He is known to be violent and is believed to be armed with a handgun. If you see him, prioritize your safety and call 911 immediately.” Residents are advised to:

• Keep doors and windows locked.

• Avoid walking alone in isolated areas near the crime scene.

• Report any suspicious activity, such as noises in backyards or outbuildings, where a fugitive might try to hide.

A History of Violence

The revelation of Woodfaulk’s criminal history has raised questions about how he was able to acquire a firearm. “Possession by a Convicted Felon”: This charge indicates that Woodfaulk has lost his right to bear arms due to previous felony convictions. The fact that he was allegedly carrying a handgun at Choo Choos suggests he obtained the weapon illegally—a black market transaction or a theft that police will now be tracing. Escalation: Criminologists often note that suspects with a history of battery on law enforcement and escape are the most dangerous to apprehend. They have demonstrated a lack of fear of authority and a high motivation to stay free. This profile has led officers to approach the manhunt with “extreme caution,” likely utilizing SWAT tactics if and when Woodfaulk is cornered.

Community Reaction: Fear and Anger

The atmosphere in Perry this Sunday is a mix of fear and anger. Fear: “It’s scary knowing he’s out there,” said a resident who lives near the convenience store. “My kids walk to that store. To think someone like that was walking around with a gun… it makes you not want to leave your house.” Anger: There is also a palpable sense of anger that a repeat offender was in a position to commit such a heinous crime. “He has a history of violence, escapes, and weapons charges,” said a community advocate. “Why was he on the streets? Austin Wilkinson is dead because a dangerous man was free to do harm.”

How You Can Help

The Perry Police Department has made a direct plea to the community. They believe the key to locating Woodfaulk lies with the public. “Someone Knows Something”: Investigators are urging anyone who may have been in the area of Choo Choos at the time of the shooting to come forward, even if they think their information is minor.

• Did you see a car waiting?

• Did you see which way he ran?

• Have you seen Woodfaulk in the days leading up to the shooting?

Contact Information: If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Ulysses Woodfaulk Jr., please use the following channels immediately:

• Emergency: Dial 911.

• Direct Line to Detective: Contact Det. Sgt. Jamin Cephus at 850-843-5071.

• Department Line: Call the Perry Police Department at 850-584-5121.

The Road Ahead

As night falls over Perry, the search continues. Spotlights from police cruisers are sweeping the streets. Officers are knocking on doors. And a family is beginning the agonizing process of planning a funeral for Austin Shane Wilkinson. The resolution of this tragedy depends on the swift capture of Ulysses Woodfaulk Jr. until he is in custody, the community of Perry will remain on high alert, waiting for justice to be served.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Austin Shane Wilkinson.

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WANTED SUSPECT POSTER:

• Name: Ulysses Woodfaulk Jr.

• Age: 48.

• Charges: First-Degree Murder, Possession of Firearm by Felon.

• Last Seen: Fleeing Choo Choos Convenience Store, Perry, FL.

• Status: ARMED AND DANGEROUS.

• Do Not Approach. Call 911.