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Suspect arrested, trooper identified
state trooper
A Georgia state patrol trooper was injured in a head-on collision, shortly after 3 p.m. - photo by Lewis Levine
Storts MUG.JPG
Ryan Storts

After an intensive manhunt a suspect who ran from police with a toddler following a head on collision that injured three people, including a Georgia State Patrol officer, was apprehended in Walthourville. He had abandoned his vehicle near Cedar Hill Mobile Home Park and fled on foot carrying his 2-year old son. Liberty County Sheriff Steve Sikes was shown on camera handing the child, who appeared unharmed, back to its mother.

The suspect, Ryan Ray Storts of Long County, was arrested on charges of obstructing or hindering law enforcement officers, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, and speeding in excess of maximum limits (State speed and zone limits). Storts is being held in the Liberty County Jail. Bond has not yet been set.

According to Trooper Shane Copeland with GSP Post 11, GSP Trooper Elmer Martin was the officer injured. He is currently in serious but stable condition at Memorial Hospital.

Multiple local law enforcement agencies assisted in the search and apprehension of Storts, including the GSP, DNR law enforcement, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, Long County Sheriff’s Office, Walthourville Police Department and Hinesville Police Department. Sheriff Sikes also noted several law enforcement agencies outside our jurisdiction also assisted.

The other two people hurt in the head-on collision were identified as Ashley Bacon, 23, and Anecia Williams, 39, both of Wayne County, according to GSP Trooper John Snipe. Bacon was driving the other vehicle involved in the crash. Trooper Martin and one of the accident victims was taken by ambulance to Memorial Health in Savannah. The third victim was airlifted to Memorial Health.

The accident occurred shortly after 3 p.m. Thursday, according to Walthourville Fire Chief Anthony Burns. The accident occurred on Talmadge Road in Walthourville. The Walthourville Fire Department initially responded to the crash.

The accident stemmed from a traffic stop Trooper Martin was initiating on Talmadge road.  Storts did not stop and a chase ensued. The Impala Vehicle was traveling in the opposite direction. When Stort’s vehicle allegedly failed to maintain lane it caused the trooper and the Impala to hit head on, according to earlier news reports.

According to GSP Trooper David Laff, when Trooper Martin was pursuing the suspect, Storts was allegedly driving 75 mph in a 45 mph on Talmadge Road. At one point, Storts entered Bacon's lane as she was traveling in the direction of Riceboro. In an attempt to avoid colliding with Storts, she entered Trooper Martin's lane. Martin was driving in the direction of Highway 84 when both vehicles hit head on. 

UPDATE: head-on collision, suspect arrest

An update to the April 4 head-on collision involving a GSP trooper.
By: Lewis Levine

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Community gets a rare snow day
Snow Day 1

City of Hinesville and Liberty County offices are closed today, and the Liberty County School System is undergoing a day of virtual learning after a winter storm hit southeast Georgia.

Coastal Georgia was inundated with one of the biggest snowfalls in recorded history as forecasters called for 4-6 inches of snow to fall Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Initial reports Wednesday morning indicate at least 2 inches fell on Hinesville.

Sean Hafer and his family took advantage of the quiet roads and still Wednesday morning to enjoy the snow at Bradwell Park. He’s lived in Hinesville for almost 12 years and recalled the snow storm of 2018. But that snow was “not this deep,” he said. “It’s been a while.

“I don’t think many people went to work today,” Hafer said. “You think people would be out in it having fun, but I guess they’re scared to drive in it. It’s fun when you don’t get it around here.”

Hafer said he was curious to see how much snow was going to fall.

“They did well on this,” he said of the meteorologists. “They were accurate. They earned their pay on this one.”

The City of Hinesville declared a state of emergency Tuesday in advance of the storm and residents are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel due to potential severe weather conditions. Melting snow and ice can refreeze overnight, making roads dangerous.

Liberty County offices will remain closed until Friday. Liberty County School System students are having virtual learning Thursday.

Near-record lows tonight could lead to hazardous road conditions through tonight and Thursday morning, especially on secondary roads due to refreezing of melted snow and sleet and black ice with freezing of water puddle.

While daytime highs will be more temperate, overnight lows for the next few days are expected to remain well below freezing. The City of Hinesville encourages residents to drip their faucets overnight, insulate exposed pipes and to let warm air circulate around pipes by opening cabinet doors under sinks, especially those near exterior walls.

Some travel issues could persist Thursday night, with the potential for any remaining snow or slush to refreeze, especially on secondary roads.

The city also is reporting no power outages and all traffic lights are operational. Since most businesses are closed, traffic is minimal and residents are urged not to travel unless necessary.

 

 

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