Morgan County Deputy Samuel Hutto was involved in two pursuits within a matter of days after attempting to conduct traffic stops for what initially appeared to be minor violations.
The first pursuit occurred July 31 while Hutto was conducting traffic enforcement near mile marker 109 on the eastbound side of I-20.
According to the report, a white Toyota Camry slowed abruptly as it approached Hutto’s position, prompting him to follow the vehicle. The Camry crossed the fog line several times, leading Hutto to initiate a traffic stop.
Hutto waited until the vehicle reached Exit 113 and pulled it over at the bottom of the exit ramp.
The driver was identified as 22-year-old Bobby Anthony Williams of Milledgeville.
While waiting for a backup unit to arrive, Williams told Hutto he was on probation for assaulting a police officer.
According to the report, Williams became increasingly agitated before running back to the Camry as another deputy arrived. Williams jumped into the driver’s seat, and the pursuit began.
Williams continued along I-20 until reaching Exit 114, where he left the interstate and headed toward Eatonton at speeds exceeding 120 mph.
Hutto attempted a PIT (precision immobilization technique) maneuver, but Williams braked as Hutto approached, causing the patrol vehicle to become out of position. Hutto made contact with the Camry, but the pursuit continued, with Williams allegedly throwing items from the vehicle.
The pursuit continued into Putnam County, where Williams passed vehicles along the right shoulder and reached speeds of more than 100 mph.
The pursuit ended when Williams lost control while turning near the intersection of U.S. 441 and Harmony Road.
Williams attempted to continue fleeing, but Hutto was able to strike the Camry with his patrol vehicle, forcing it into a ditch.
Williams abandoned the vehicle and fled into the woods near Rock Eagle. Despite efforts by Putnam County deputies, Georgia State Patrol troopers and Department of Natural Resources personnel, Williams eluded capture following a four-hour search.
A seven-gram bag of “cannabis flower” was found inside the Camry.
Warrants were issued charging Williams with fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, speeding, reckless driving and possession of marijuana.
The second pursuit occurred Aug. 2 after Hutto observed a dark-colored sedan run a stop sign at the intersection of Highway 278 and Newborn Road near the Chevron station.
Hutto attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the vehicle continued toward Madison.
According to the report, Hutto noticed he was not catching up to the sedan as quickly as expected because of its speed. He briefly lost sight of the vehicle before seeing it slowed by traffic.
The sedan then made an abrupt U-turn near Old Mill Road and headed back toward Rutledge, reaching speeds of more than 130 mph.
Spike strips were deployed near the intersection of Brownwood Road, but the driver avoided them by making an abrupt right turn onto Brownwood Road.
Hutto then executed a PIT maneuver on the sedan, causing it to spin into an embankment, according to the report. The vehicle rolled over and came to rest on its passenger side.
Madison Police Department Sgt. Travis Stubbs broke open the sunroof with his ASP baton to provide the driver and two passengers with a safe exit. According to the report, the passengers were “none too happy” with the driver.
The driver was identified as 20-year-old Amiyr Mohone of Madison. He was charged with fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, speeding and reckless driving.
A black bag found in the trunk contained two firearms and a small quantity of marijuana, according to the report.