Local news
Two-county chase leads to man’s arrest
By GABE JORDAN
gabe.jordan@gaflnews.com
CORDELE — Troopers with the Georgia State Patrol arrested a Florida man and an Alabama woman Sunday night after they led law enforcement authorities from at least four public safety jurisdictions on a chase from Worth County into Crisp.
James Albert Smith, age 46, of a Sanford, FL, address was booked on charges of driving under the influence, attempting to elude, driving with a suspended license, driving with an open container and speeding, according to GSP Senior Trooper David Grantham.
Smith’s passenger, Mary Lynn Wilson, was held on an outstanding warrant from Tennessee. Trooper Grantham said Smith also had outstanding warrants in Florida and Georgia.
An officer with the Poulan Police Department originally attempted to stop Smith on suspicion of DUI after receiving a tip from a concerned caller. Grantham said Smith apparently sped north from the scene on Ga. Highway 313 after initially stopping for the Poulan officer.
From there, Smith led the Poulan officer and deputies from the Worth County Sheriff’s Office west onto Ga. Highway 32 and then north onto Ga. Highway 300. Grantham said Smith’s 1999 Cadillac Deville exceeded speeds of 100 mph when it crossed the county line at Smoak Bridge, where deputies from the Crisp County Sheriff’s Office picked up the chase.
Grantham and two other troopers from GSP Post 30 were waiting for Smith with “stop-sticks” deployed at two locations near mile marker seven on Ga. 300. Smith hit the first “stop-stick,” which blew out three of the Cadillac’s tires, and the car rolled to a stop approximately a half-mile from there.
According to Grantham’s incident report, he and his fellow troopers followed standard operating procedure and drew their weapons “while approaching the vehicle until the violator complied with our commands.” Grantham then detected “a strong odor of alcohol” coming from Smith and placed him under arrest.
It was unclear at press time if a bond hearing had been held for either Smith or Wilson.
- Local news
-
-
SWGAU opens new office
Southwest Georgia United, in conjunction with the Crisp/Dooly Joint Development Authority officially opened the doors for their new facility Wednesday.
-
Contractor waiting on DOT approval
With the final week of summer winding down, construction on I-75 through Crisp County is “complete for the most part,” says Archer Western Project Manager Brian Woods.
-
Renewal tag fees added or increased
Not too many years ago, nearly all Georgia vehicles had one license plate which was easily recognizable from a distance. Now, there are over 100 valid special license plates in the state, and many Georgia automobile owners have purchased one or more of these special tags.
-
Pet contest winner named
When the Cordele Dispatch’s pet pageant ended at noon Tuesday, “Bug” Owens, a Beagle belonging to Faye and Charles Owens of Cordele was the winner.
-
LOCAL DEATH: Johnnie Mae Reese
BUTLER — Johnnie Mae Reese of Butler passed away Friday, July 27, 2010 in a Macon County hospital. -
Contractor waiting on DOT approval
CORDELE — With the final week of summer winding down, construction on I-75 through Crisp County is “complete for the most part,” says Archer Western Project Manager Brian Woods.
-
Vienna businesses cited for underage sales
Complaints that a local business was selling alcohol to minors prompted police here to take action.
-
Accused dog murderer arrested
Police here have made an arrest in a late August burglary during which a family’s beloved pet dog was brutally murdered.
-
J.S. Pate students study vipers
J.S. Pate students in Mrs. Beth Rucker's homeroom made vipers after reading the story, "A Walk In the Desert."
-
LOCAL DEATH: Eddie C. Clayton
VIENNA — Eddie C. Clayton of Vienna died Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at his residence. - More Local news Headlines
-
