LAW ENFORCEMENT
The attempted traffic stop of a motorist without functioning tag lights led to multiple charges after the driver opted to try to outrun the officer.
Travis O’Bryant Lattimore, 35, was arrested Oct. 26 on charges of suspended registration, no insurance, tag lights, DUI refusal and fleeing or attempting to elude police officer.
A report of the arrest by Jones County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Richard Langston stated that he saw a white Chevrolet Impala traveling northbound on Gray Highway without functioning tag lights Oct. 26 at approximately 1:54 a.m.
The deputy said a check of the license plate revealed there was no insurance on the car, and the registration was suspended.
Langston said he initiated his emergency lights at Princess Ann Road, but the vehicle did not stop.
He said he notified dispatch the vehicle was not stopping. He added the driver reached the speed of 75 mph on Gray Highway, several times applying brakes as if he was going to stop or turn, but did neither.
Langston said he continued behind the vehicle for 2.8 miles utilizing his emergency lights and siren until the driver turned on Creekside Drive, headed toward Lite-N-Tie Road. He noted that the driver, later identified as Lattimore, did use his turn signals and stopped at each stop sign.
The officer said that let him know the driver was aware of his surroundings and knew he was attempting to perform a traffic stop.
The deputy said he was informed that officers were en route to assist with the stop. He said, when they arrived at the intersection of Shadow Court and Lite-N-Tie Road, Gray Police Officer Sgt. Paul Hathaway let him know he was further down the road with spike strips ready.
Langston said, as they approached Hathaway, Lattimore stopped short of the spike strips and put his vehicle in park.
The deputy said Hathaway approached the driver’s side of the vehicle with his weapon ready and he exited his vehicle with his service weapon ready.
Langston said Hathaway removed the driver from the car and placed him face down on the ground.
The deputy said he placed restraints on the driver’s wrist and noticed a strong odor of alcohol.
He said Lattimore was placed in the backseat of his patrol vehicle.
Hathaway’s report of the assist stated that he and GPD Officer Daniel Pointer responded to the call for assistance with spike strips. He said the violator vehicle stopped prior to running over the strips and he ordered the driver from the vehicle at gun point.
The sergeant said, after Langston took the driver into custody, he returned to the city in service.
Langston said Lattimore was transported to the Jones County Law Enforcement Center and turned over to jail staff for booking and processing.
He said the suspect was issued citations for the offenses and refused a blood test.
