On Monday, October, 9, 2023 at approximately 3:30 p.m. Jeff Davis County deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a motorcycle for a traffic violation. The motorist refused to yield and led officers on a five-county chase with speeds of up to 130 mph.
Deputies and investigators along with troopers from the Georgia State Patrol chased the unknown man on his Honda cruiser all the way from Jeff Davis County, Lumber City, Telfair County, Wheeler County, Dodge County and came to a halt in Laurens County.
After finally stopping the motorcycle, Raymond Franklin was arrested for several charges including felony fleeing and eluding law enforcement in several counties. When he was taken into custody, no weapons nor contraband were found, but it was confirmed that Franklin had a minor traffic warrant for his arrest in Baxley.
When asked why he ran, Franklin stated, “I didn’t want to go to jail.”
No injuries were reported to either Franklin or officers during the chase.