January 8,2004

"THE CHASE"

Around 7:00 pm this evening, Whitfield County 911 center received a call from Andrea Sharp and Albert Joy stating that they had spotted the 91 Ford Explorer from the Amber Alert.

Within moments Whitfield County Deputies assisted by Georgia Highway Patrol officers gave chase on Northbound I-75 around the 338 mile marker.

Georgia Highway Patrol Officer Jason Davis quickly took the lead in the chase. At one point in the chase Officer Davis was going to attempt what is called a "PIT MANEUVER" , but decided not to when he saw one of the young girls in the vehicle. Officer Davis said he did not want to chance a major accident at that speed.

Officers decided to allow the pursuit to continue for a little while due to the fact that Jerry Jones was only going about 60 to 70 miles per hour and he was not showing any signs of erratic driving. Georgia Highway Patrol Officer Davis in radio contact with Georgia Highway Patrol Officer Barnett decided to try and find a safer place to stop the vehicle.

When the pursuit crossed the Tennessee State line the suspect Mr. Jones took the first exit in Tennessee onto Highway 41 in East Ridge Tennessee.

Because of being on a rural road Mr. Jones was driving much slower. Within minutes of him slowing down Georgia Highway Patrol Officer Jason Davis preformed a "PIT MANEUVER" causing the vehicle to spin around and strike a power pole.

Story and photos by Bill Carson

PAGE 2 "THE CAPTURE"