Warner Robins man sentenced after high-speed chase, assault convictions

McGhee was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by 20 years on probation.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Warner Robins man has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges connected to a high-speed chase and assault, according to the Houston County District Attorney’s Office.

64-year-old Bobby Lee McGhee pleaded guilty September 15 in Houston County Superior Court to fleeing and eluding police, false imprisonment and three counts of aggravated assault. McGhee entered his plea during jury selection for his trial, which was set to begin the same day.

McGhee was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by 20 years on probation.

The charges stem from a November 16, 2024, traffic stop in Warner Robins. Deputies with the Houston County Sheriff’s Office stopped McGhee on Moody Road for speeding. McGhee initially pulled over and told a deputy he did not have a license but was driving a female passenger to the hospital, authorities said.

Painter called for an ambulance for the passenger, but McGhee sped away, leading deputies on a 12-minute chase through Warner Robins. Prosecutors said McGhee drove at nearly 100 mph, ran red lights and stop signs, drove on the wrong side of the road, and weaved through parking lots while passing other vehicles.

During the chase, McGhee struck another vehicle near American Boulevard and Hawaii Avenue, injuring three people, including a child. His passenger was also injured after attempting to exit the vehicle when McGhee briefly slowed down.

The pursuit ended when a deputy used a precision immobilization technique to stop McGhee’s vehicle. Deputies took him into custody near Emory Hospital on Watson Boulevard, where prosecutors said McGhee had passed several times without seeking medical care for his passenger.

Senior Assistant District Attorney Mike Smith released the following statement:

“The Houston County District Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, specifically the Traffic Division, for their efforts in bringing this criminal to justice. The Office would especially like to highlight the heroic efforts of Deputies Garrett Painter and Dalton Windham. Each and every person traveling on our local roadways should feel safe while driving or riding. The District Attorney’s Office remains committed to protecting the community and ensuring that fleeing motorists always go to prison following a conviction.”

District Attorney Eric Edwards released the following statement:

“Bobby McGhee’s decision to turn a routine traffic stop into a reckless, high-speed chase endangered countless lives across Warner Robins. He injured innocent motorists, harmed his own passenger, and showed no regard for anyone’s safety while repeatedly passing by a hospital without seeking medical help. Thanks to the quick action and professionalism of the Houston County Sheriff’s Office—especially Deputies Garrett Painter and Dalton Windham—this chase was brought to a safe conclusion before more lives were put at risk. The ten-year prison sentence in this case makes clear that when fleeing motorists turn our roads into danger zones, they will be held accountable and they will go to prison. Our office will continue to fight to protect the people of Houston County from this kind of reckless disregard for human life.”