Deputies: Jones County bank fraud attempt ends in vehicle chase, three arrests

Investigators say suspects used fraudulent identification before fleeing from deputies.

JONES COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Three people were arrested after a suspected fraud attempt at a Jones County bank led to a vehicle chase Friday afternoon.

According to a Facebook post from the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were contacted by Morris Bank staff, who reported a suspect inside the bank trying to complete a transaction using a fraudulent identification card.

According to the sheriff’s office, investigators responded to the scene, and one of them entered the bank in plain clothes to observe. The other investigator was nearby in an unmarked vehicle. When the suspect left the bank and got into a dark gray Honda Accord, deputies began surveillance.

The sheriff’s office said deputies attempted a traffic stop on Bill Conn Parkway. The vehicle stopped, but the driver eventually fled, leading to a chase.

With assistance from the Gray Police Department, the chase continued onto Highway 11 and Industrial Boulevard and eventually into the Government Center area.

According to the sheriff’s office, the vehicle drove through the Government Center parking lot and a grassy area before crashing and coming to a stop. Deputies took three suspects into custody.

The driver, identified as 26-year-old Vernon Tonge, was charged with felony fleeing or attempting to elude, reckless driving, aggressive driving, failure to maintain lane and driving with a suspended license.

The sheriff’s office said all three suspects — Tonge, 63-year-old David Granger, and 27-year-old Tariq Bennett — were charged with first-degree forgery, identity fraud and possession of marijuana less than one ounce.

Video of the chase can be seen below.