Fleeing murder suspects caught in Columbia County
Fleeing murder suspects caught in Columbia County
UPDATED APRIL 9, 2008
COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL - Two Georgia murder suspects were arrested by Columbia
County Sheriff’s Deputies after a pursuit along Interstate 75 Tuesday afternoon.
Sheriff’s Deputy Cecil Brownfield received a call from law enforcement authorities in Lowndes County, Georgia about 3 pm Tuesday afternoon that the murder suspects were headed south on I-75.
The suspect vehicle, a 2008 model Dodge Magnum, was spotted north of Lake City by Deputy Brownfield. When Deputy Brownfield activated his emergency equipment, the driver refused to stop and reached speeds in excess of125 mph. The suspect vehicle exited the interstate at State Road 47, struck a pickup and attempted to drive through the median when it was stopped by Cpl. Keith Jackson. No one was injured.
"The proven relationship between law enforcement agencies across county and even state lines was the key to this successful apprehension," said Sheriff Bill Gootee. "Authorities in Lowndes County had worked with Deputy Brownfield and contacted him directly."
"Deputy Brownfield utilized his training and years of experience to handle the suspect vehicle once he spotted it and worked with Cpl. Keith Jackson to get a dangerous driver and murder suspect off of the road and into custody," said Sheriff Gootee. "It was a very good ending to a potentially deadly situation."
The suspects were being held Tuesday evening for Georgia authorities. They face multiple local charges that include drug and traffic violations.
Sam Bell, 56, of Atlanta, Ga is charged by Columbia County with:
· possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana
· trafficking cocaine(armed)
· trafficking methamphetamine (armed)
· possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
· possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony
· Aggravated fleeing and eluding
· Driving with suspected/revoked drivers license
· Reckless driving
· Culpable negligence
· Possession of controlled substance
Georgia charges include:
· Parole violation – theft by receiving stolen property
· Parole violation – possession of cocaine
· Hold for homicide investigation
Oscar Lee Joy, Jr., 31, of Aurtell, GA is charged with:
· Possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana
· Trafficking cocaine
· Trafficking methamphetamine
· Possession of a controlled substance
· Resisting arrest without violence
