An Atlanta man wanted for stealing a truck was apprehended in Jones County at the conclusion of a high-speed vehicle chase that was followed by a foot chase.
Vantavious Merritt, 47, was arrested Jan. 2 and charged with driving without a license, fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement officers and obstruction.
A report of the arrest by Jones County Sheriff Office Sgt. Travis Walker states he was dispatched to the Gray bypass to look for a black GMC truck that had been reported stolen in Eatonton. The vehicle was equipped with OnStar Connected Services, and the deputy was informed by dispatch that the vehicle was being tracked.
Walker said he spotted the truck on the bypass at Gray Highway and activated his blue lights to perform a traffic stop. Instead of stopping, the driver fled up Gray Highway, and the sergeant pursued.
Walker stated the driver continued to flee, reaching speeds up to 95 mph. In addition to tracking the vehicle, OnStar had the ability to disable it. He requested the vehicle be disabled, and it slowed down to under 40 mph.
At that time the driver turned onto Braswell Lake Road, into a driveway and fled on foot from the truck. Walker said Jones County K9s arrived on scene, and the subject identified as Merritt was apprehended.
