Jones County deputies arrest suspect after high-speed chase; Child found in vehicle
A high-speed chase down Highway 49 on Friday ended with the arrest of a Warner Robins man and the discovery of a child and contraband in his vehicle, according to the Jones County Sheriff's Office.
JONES COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A high-speed chase down Highway 49 on Friday ended with the arrest of a Warner Robins man and the discovery of a child and contraband in his vehicle, according to the Jones County Sheriff’s Office.
According to a post on the sheriff’s office Facebook page, deputies conducted road safety checkpoints at multiple locations across the county Friday, during which officers issued 30 citations for violations, including suspended licenses, no insurance, suspended registration and seat belt infractions. Deputies also made eight arrests, including four for drug offenses and three for probation warrants.
The chase started when a driver in a white Jeep Compass, identified as 25-year-old Jaxavier Hicks of Warner Robins, approached one of the checkpoints. Deputies say they told the driver to pull to the side after determining the vehicle did not have valid insurance. Instead, the sheriff’s office says the driver sped through the checkpoint.
Photo: Jones County Sheriff’s Office
Photo: Jones County Sheriff’s Office
Three deputies began chasing the Jeep as it traveled toward Baldwin County. During the chase, one of the deputies reported seeing an object being thrown from the vehicle that sparked when it hit the road.
Deputies eventually boxed in the Jeep with their vehicles and took Hicks into custody. A four-year-old child inside the Jeep was uninjured.
According to the sheriff’s office, a search of the Jeep revealed packages wrapped in duct tape, which they say are commonly used for contraband drops intended for state prisons. The packages contained tobacco and cell phones. Deputies also returned to the area where the deputy had reported seeing sparks from an object thrown from the Jeep. That’s where they say they found an AR-style rifle.
Hicks faces multiple charges, including fleeing or attempting to elude, cruelty to children, reckless conduct, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and no insurance.
He remains in custody at the Jones County Jail.
The child was released to her mother.
