The high speed chase through downtown last night, January 20th began when Bulloch County Sheriff's Department Corporal Dustin Lanier and his canine partner Pike attempted to stop a Black Ford Mustang at 8:30 pm. The driver of the mustang had just ran the red light at Highway 301 South and Langston Chapel.
The vehicle then fled at a high rate of speed down multiple roads in the county and city. The pursuit was initiated because the vehicle matched a description involving a possible murder suspect from Liberty County.
The Mustang was last observed on Clito Road by a Statesboro Police Department Detective. Shortly after that the Mustang was found abandoned on Franklin Road at Sassy’s Lane. Bulloch County K9’s searched the area along with GSP Aviation.
After a lengthy search the male subject could not be located. The suspect was identified as Marvin Simmons. The Ford Mustang was discovered to be stolen out of Atlanta. Simmons was determined not to be suspected in a homicide, however, there were multiple firearms in the vehicle and a Glock handgun was thought to be missing from the vehicle.
At 4:15 am, Bulloch County Sheriff's Sergeant Jody Deal stopped a White Challenger on Clito Road. A family member, Melvin Simmons, had just picked Marvin Simmons up. There was a short chase on foot but he was apprehended a short distance from the vehicle. Both subjects were arrested.
Sheriff Brown would like to commend his Deputies for the determination they showed in locating this criminal during this pursuit. He especially commended Sergant Jody Deal and Deputy Ken Kelley whom confronted and arrested the offenders before they were able to escape. Sheriff Brown stated this was truly a team effort.
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Statesboro Police Dept and the Georgia State Patrol. The Portal and Brooklet Police Departments assisted in answering emergency calls when all of our Deputies were tied up with perimeter and search duties.
The Sheriff’s Communications Center and Bulloch County 911 Center gave accurate and timely information during this incident which aided in locating the offender.
