WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Warner Robins Police say a man who led them on a brief car chase Thursday afternoon and a two-hour-long manhunt was taken into custody, according to an update from the Warner Robins Police Department.
Authorities were scouring the Westcliff Circle area, which is off of Watson Boulevard, after the man ditched his car and ran. He was captured roughly half a mile away on Sarah Drive, Lt. Eric Gossman with the police department said.
It all started with an attempted traffic stop involving Warner Robins Police and other law enforcement agencies.
They believe the man driving was Billy Joe Jessie, 47, a wanted fugitive out of Alabama, the press release said. They say he is wanted for sexual offences against a minor in Alabama.
When police attempted to stop Jessie, they say he fled, and a short car chase took place. It happened around 4 p.m. Thursday.
But on Westcliff Circle, the suspect abandoned his vehicle and the car rolled into the woods.
They believe Jessie then fled the scene and the Warner Robins Police. Houston County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Marshals Task Force and the Georgia State Patrol Aviation team were all a part of the search for Jessie.
If you have any information, you can reach out to Warner Robins Police Sgt. Brandon Smith at 478-302-5380.