According to Savannah’s WTOC, Montgomery County sheriff Ladson O’Connor, 42, was killed in an auto accident early this morning after two suspects fled during an attempted traffic stop. Toombs County deputies attempted to stop a vehicle around 1 a.m. The vehicle did not stop and a chase ensued. Sheriff O’Connor joined the chase when the suspects headed his way, reported WTOC.
The suspects, identified as Jim Edward Lowery, 35, and Dixie Best, 36, allegedly fired shots at the deputies. The accident occurred on Highway 56 between Uvalda and Reidsville in Toombs County. At the moment, it is unclear what exactly caused the accident.
Deputies arrested Best quickly. Lowery, however, remained at large for nearly eight hours before being apprehended. According to WTOC, Sheriff O’Connor leaves a wife and four children.
Many questions remain about this tragic incident and authorities are still actively investigating the events the led to the sheriff’s death.