Deputies: I-75 chase leads to arrests in prison drop attempt

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office says deputies found a drone and other items linked to a planned prison drop during the traffic stop.

MONROE COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Two men are in custody after Monroe County deputies say a traffic stop on Interstate 75 turned into a chase tied to an attempt to deliver contraband to a state prison.

According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, deputies attempted a traffic stop just after 8:30 Tuesday night, but the driver refused to stop, leading deputies on a chase.

The chase ended on Highway 41 North near Vaughn Road when deputies used a PIT maneuver to stop the vehicle, the sheriff’s office said, adding that the driver and passenger ran from the vehicle but were quickly taken into custody with help from additional deputies and a K9 unit.

The sheriff’s office identified the driver as 29-year-old Keshaun Bonner of Forest Park and the passenger as 18-year-old Zykier Watkins of Powder Springs.

Deputies say a search of the vehicle revealed marijuana, multiple cell phones, a drone and items commonly associated with “prison drop” operations.

According to the sheriff’s office, Bonner later admitted he intended to deliver contraband to Dooly State Prison in Unadilla.

Bonner is charged with fleeing and attempting to elude, obstruction of an officer, possession of tools for the commission of a crime, possession of marijuana less than an ounce and multiple traffic violations.

Watkins is charged with possession of tools for the commission of a crime, possession of marijuana less than an ounce and obstruction of an officer.

Both men are being held without bond at the Monroe County Jail.