­­­­­­­­­­A Calhoun man was listed in critical condition at Erlanger Medical Center after he was stabbed and shot Wednesday in Walker County. James Collins, 61, of Kent Drive, was flown to Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga after being stabbed and shot.

“This afternoon, we were able to talk to the victim,” said Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson.

Wilson said Collins told investigators he picked up a Hispanic male, age 20-30 in Calhoun and was forced to drive to a John’s Mountain Wildlife Management area where he was robbed, and stabbed in both thighs, and shot once in the abdomen.

Collins told investigators he believed another Hispanic male was already there waiting. They left in another unknown vehicle. He summoned help from a passing motorist on Georgia Highway East 136 who took him to Gordon Hospital. He was later flown to Erlanger Medical Center, Chattanooga where he underwent surgery.

Collins’ vehicle was later found by investigators.

The incident happened in a remote area of the John’s Mountain Wildlife Management area about five miles southeast of the Villanow community in Walker County.

Even though it happened on federal land, Wilson said as of right now, the federal government is giving jurisdiction to the state and local authorities, although the FBI continues to assist in the investigation.

“They can take it over, but it has to be cleared by the U.S. Assistant District Attorney, but (the FBI) said they do not believe they will do that,” said Wilson.

The Calhoun Police Department, Gordon County Georgia Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are assisting the Walker County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation.