At approximately 2 p.m., Friday, March 26, Emanuel County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to an address on Highway 57 West in reference to an unknown male driving a white Toyota Tacoma with black rims pulling into the resident’s yard, exiting the vehicle and walking around the homesite uninvited. As deputies neared the residence, they were notified that the suspect had left the residence.
The first responding deputy came in contact with a white Toyota truck fitting the description traveling toward Swainsboro. As the deputy turned around to initiate a traffic stop, the suspect vehicle fled and was observed speeding through US Bypass 1 at speeds exceeding 100 MPH with no regard to other traffic. A second deputy approaching to assist had to exit the roadway to avoid being struck by the fleeing suspect. Both deputies lost contact with the offending driver.
A third deputy responding to assist witnessed the involved driver enter the intersection of Kite Road and West Main Street, broadside. In a press release made available by the sheriff’s office via Facebook over the weekend, it was announced that the pursuit continued on to West Main Street and then to East Main Street with the driver crossing lane to lane in an uncontrollable manner. The pursuit ended after the suspect vehicle sideswiped a vehicle at the intersection of GA Highway 56, causing the offending driver to lose control of the vehicle and strike a tree near Industrial Way.
The 23-year-old driver, identified as John Trevor Neikirk of Jacksonville, Fl., was then apprehended and transported to the Emanuel County Jail where he was booked and charged with felony obstruction, DUI, felony fleeing/attempting to elude, reckless driving, and speeding.
