A multi-agency effort recently halted a high speed chase with no reported injuries.
At approximately 2:30 p.m. on Friday, November 10, an on-patrol Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputy in the area of Highway 540 and Lamar’s Creek Road clocked a vehicle speeding at 63 MPH in a 45 MPH construction zone.
“The deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver sped away at speeds exceeding 100 MPH,” said Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran.
The Sheriff stated that Washington County E-911 contacted the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office in an effort to position spike strips while crossing into Baldwin County.
Once deployed, the spike strips were successful in disabling the fleeing vehicle. Pursuing deputies were then able to take both the driver and passenger of the vehicle into custody without injury.
Allegedly, during the course of the high-speed chase, the vehicle passenger discarded multiple items from the car window. Later recovered, the paraphernalia was found to be illegal narcotics.
The driver, 29-year-old Malachi Wint of South Carolina, is facing numerous local felony charges. Wint was wanted for a warrant on aggravated assault in North Carolina.
25-year-old Sharif Dennis, the passenger, is also now facing a litany of local felony charges.
Following the recovery of the car, it was revealed that the vehicle was stolen in South Carolina.
“As your Sheriff, I am committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community,” said Sheriff Cochran. “Our team continues to tirelessly work to keep crime at bay and maintain Washington County as a safe haven for all. This type of behavior is not welcome in our community.”
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office thanked the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, the Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia Motor Carrier Compliance Division for their assistance in the pursuit and safe apprehension of the suspects.