Bibb deputies ID man accused of fleeing traffic stop before jumping into Ocmulgee River

Deputies say the 32-year-old suspect fled a traffic stop, ran from his vehicle and jumped into the Ocmulgee River before escaping into the woods.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office has identified the man deputies say led them on a chase before jumping into the Ocmulgee River early Wednesday morning.

According to the sheriff’s office, the suspect has been identified as 32-year-old Darius Keyon Frye. No photo is currently available, and no arrest has been made, a spokesperson said.

Deputies say the chase began around 1 a.m. Wednesday when a patrol deputy conducted a traffic stop on the driver of a Lincoln connected to a domestic disturbance call at the Red Carpet Inn on Riverside Drive. Video posted by the sheriff’s office on Facebook shows the driver speeding away, entering Interstate 75, then exiting and abandoning the vehicle before jumping into the Ocmulgee River. Deputies did not specify where the man jumped, but the video appears to show it happened on the Otis Redding Memorial Bridge on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Deputies said a thermal imaging device later spotted the man exiting the water and running into the woods. Deputies searched the area but did not find him.

Deputies say warrants are being secured for Frye on charges of fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer for a felony offense, obstruction of officers and reckless driving. Additional charges may be added.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at (478) 751-7500.