Generic suspects on the loose.

Via AL Com

Patton Village residents at Fort Benning were given the “all clear” notice about four hours after two civilian vehicles went through an unauthorized entry point on Sand Hill and shots were fired, post officials said on its Facebook page late Thursday.

The Department of Emergency Services arrested one suspect after shots were fired about 2:25 p.m. and Columbus Police are continuing to search for three to five men who are possibly in nearby woods. Authorities also seized two hand guns, one from each of the vehicles.

Post officials checked all vehicles entering the installation until the area was cleared. Fort Benning police will maintain a high level of patrols in the Patton Village area throughout the night. Residents are urged to lock their doors and windows and remain vigilant for suspicious activity in the area.

All gates at Fort Benning remain open . Residents should call 911 to report any suspicious.

Gary Jones, the director of public affairs for the Maneuver Center of Excellence, said the two vehicles were trailing one another at a high rate of speed when they attempted to enter the Sand Hill exit point at 2:25 p.m. Because the location is an exit point, Jones said the raised “tiger teeth” stopped both vehicles and flattened their tires. Both vehicles continued to move toward the new elementary school construction near Patton Village.

Three to five men left the first vehicle and ran into the wood line. That’s when shots are believed to have been fired.

The driver of the second vehicle was arrested and authorities found one weapon in the vehicle as the other suspects fled. Police also seized a pistol from the first vehicle.

Authorities with DES and Columbus Police Department conducted door to door searches for the suspects. They used K-9 teams and other law enforcement personnel but no suspects were found.

During the search, residents were sent a giant voice message which stated ” “Warning, Fort Benning Police are searching for possibly armed suspects in your area – call 911 if you see suspicious personnel. Recommend stay indoors until an all clear is given.”

The shooting remains under investigation . Jones said the Federal Bureau of Investigation may be involved with investigation because shots were fired on a military installation.