On the evening of May 11, Swainsboro Police Department attempted to make a traffic stop on a vehicle for an expired tag. When officers initiated blue lights, the driver made a decision to flee from law enforcement.
Officers remained behind the fleeing vehicle, giving an accurate description of a green in color Lincoln Navigator and the various direction of travel. Other agencies joined to assist as the chase lead officers to the west side of town, taking various roads and streets as the driver attempted to elude officers.
Numerous attempts were made to deploy tire deflation devices, but the driver of the fleeing vehicle was somehow able to maneuver around the different locations where the devices were deployed. After approximately 10 minutes, the chase led to West Pine Street. At that point, officers were able to end the chase on Jefferson Street at the rear of the old primary school. The vehicle chase concluded by officers being able to box the fleeing vehicle being used to strike law enforcement vehicles in an effort to get away. In addition, one officer received minor injuries as a result of the patrol vehicle he was in being struck.
The conclusion of the chase resulted in the arrest of Randy Jerome Whipple, 56, of 211 Emanuel Road address in Swainsboro. Whipple was arrested and is being held on the following charges: one felony count - possession of controlled substance, two felony counts- aggravated assault, one felony count – fleeing/attempting to elude police officers, along with 42 traffic citations.
Swainsboro Police Department would like to thank all agencies that assisted in the apprehension of this fleeing suspect.
