The death of a fleeing suspect on Monday night occurred after a Richmond County deputy performed a PIT maneuver, according to Columbia County authorities.
The suspect’s name has not been released, but authorities say he was well known to officers. Columbia County Sheriff’s Maj. Steve Morris stated that one of his deputies was dispatched to the Krystal’s on Bobby Jones Expressway in Martinez for a welfare check.
“Dispatch advised that the driver had passed out behind the wheel in the parking lot,” said the major in a press release. “The deputy made contact with the driver and noticed he appeared intoxicated. While speaking with him, the deputy also observed burnt tinfoil on the driver’s lap. The driver then accelerated away, and our deputy attempted to stop the vehicle as it turned south onto Bobby Jones Expressway.”
Another deputy initiated a chase, but Richmond County took over once the suspect entered their jurisdiction on Bobby Jones Expressway, just past Mike Padgett Highway.
“Richmond County performed a PIT maneuver, and the pursuit ended,” Maj. Morris said.
A PIT (Precision Immobilization Technique) maneuver is a police tactic used to stop a fleeing vehicle. In this maneuver, a law enforcement vehicle makes contact with the rear corner of the suspect’s car to force it into a spin, causing the vehicle to lose control and come to a stop. It’s typically used when other methods of stopping a vehicle are not viable or safe.
Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen said his office responded to I-520 eastbound, between Mike Padgett Highway and Doug Bernard, and pronounced the fleeing suspect dead at 11:45 p.m. Monday. He added that the vehicle, while being pursued by law enforcement, lost control and crashed into the guardrail.
The Georgia State Patrol is investigating the crash. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has not yet released a statement on the chase.
Check back here for updates on this developing story.
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