UPDATE - THURSDAY, MARCH 3RD - Wanted subject Tyrice Austin surrendered himself to JCSD investigators and is in custody.

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The Jones County Sheriff's Department is searching for a man who is accused of "viciously assaulting" a 2-year-old girl in the Hoy Community. Tyrice Austin is identified as the suspect in the disturbing crime. The toddler sustained bruises, swelling and some cuts to the face and head as a result of the assault, JCSD Investigator Jardian McDonald said. "There is absolutely no excuse for this adult, identified as Tyric Austin, to be beating a child," he said. The toddler was treated at South Central Regional Medical Center and later released. Anyone with information on Austin's whereabouts is asked to call the JCSD at 601-425-3147 or Jones County Crime Stoppers at 601-428-STOP (7867).