Friday, September 23, 2005
Citizen helps police chase down fleeing motorcyclist
Savannah Morning News
A concerned resident and thorough police work led to the arrest of a fleeing motorcyclist Friday.
Police started chasing Erson Rodriguez's Kawasaki motorcycle in Hardeeville, S.C., at about 11 a.m., Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police spokesman Sgt. Mike Wilson said.
Officers followed Rodriguez, who was traveling about 120 mph, into Georgia where he got off the Ga. 204 exit, Wilson said.
But as soon as he exited, Rodriguez spotted a Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police cruiser and quickly made a U-turn.
Rodriguez, 21, got back on Interstate 95 heading the wrong way-north in the southbound lane, Wilson said.
He then drove the wrong way off the Interstate 16 exit and ditched his bike in the woods.
Police dogs searched the area and led officers to the motorcycle, but they couldn't find Rodriguez. Police suspended the search.
On Friday evening a concerned Pooler resident called 911 to report a suspicious man on his back porch. The caller described the man as muddied up to his knees with scratches and a torn T-shirt, Wilson said.
Pooler Sgt. John Schmitt arrived, but the man had already left.
Officers searching the neighborhood followed tips that led them to a Chu's Convenience Mart, a Waffle House and the Ramada Inn, Wilson said.
They ultimately caught up to him in the Family Dollar on Hwy. 80, where he was trying to buy a new shirt, Wilson said.
Officers arrested Rodriguez on charges of reckless driving, reckless conduct, obstruction by fleeing, driving on the wrong side of the road and speeding. Rodriguez is being held in the Chatham County jail.
Topic: You can run, but you can't hide....GEORGIA (Read 2274 times)