Two unrelated attempted traffic stops in Liberty County on Thursday night led to separate high-speed chases through the area.
Liberty County Sheriff’s Office deputies tried to stop a vehicle on Bacontown Road in Midway for a busted taillight, but the driver refused to stop, according to LCSO Deputy Brian Barnes. Deputies pursued the vehicle at high speeds for 18 miles into Long County. The chase ended when GSP Trooper Lyle Thurmond tapped the bumper of the vehicle several times, causing Williams to stop, according to Hinesville GSP Post Commander Sgt. 1st Class Robert Balkcom. The rear bumper of the vehicle was partially hanging off.
According to an incident report filed by Liberty County Sheriff’s Deputy Cory Nadeau, two people found in the car have been identified as Jarvis Williams of Allenhurst, who was driving a white Chrysler 300, and passenger Charles Mention of Midway, who was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. Williams was taken to Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah for allegedly ingesting cocaine. He faces a multitude of charges, including fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, possession of a controlled substance, speeding and tampering with evidence.
When Liberty County Sheriff’s Office deputies were on their way to provide backup in the first chase, one deputy noticed a vehicle weaving across Highway 17 near Peter King Road. Barnes said the deputy ran the vehicle’s tag and found the registration was suspected. He initiated a traffic stop, but the driver refused to pull over. Authorities pursued the vehicle into McIntosh County, where Barnes implemented a pit maneuver to stop the car.
The driver, later identified as Maurice Brooks, 25, exited the car and fled on foot, leaving behind a female passenger.
When officers searched the vehicle, they found a wallet with Brooks’ identification showing a Townsend address. Barnes said Friday that Brooks later was arrested without incident by deputies from the McIntosh Sheriff’s Office.
Brooks is charged with fleeing or attempting to elude, driving on a suspended license, speeding and illegal possession of a controlled substance.