Recent News
Sheriff Courson states that on April 26th, 2024 deputies with the Echols County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Highway 129 S and Ben Daniels Farm Rd for a traffic violation. Deputies attempted to make contact with the driver who then sped off, almost striking one of the deputies. A chase ensued for approximately three miles with speeds in excess of 120 miles per hour. During the chase, the occupants of the vehicle were throwing suspected narcotics out of the window, some even striking the patrol vehicle. The driver then stopped in the middle of Highway 129 and all four occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody. K-9 Nos was deployed and assisted in the apprehension of the vehicle’s occupants, holding them at bay. A search of the vehicle was conducted and revealed a firearm, several baggies of suspected Marijuana and a scale indicative of sales of narcotics. The driver and the front seat passenger were taken to Lowndes County Jail. The driver, Sierra Smith, 32 of Dublin was charged with Felony Fleeing and Eluding, Misdemeanor Obstruction of an Officer, Giving a False Name, Driving While Suspended, No Taillights, No License on Person, No Seatbelt, Improper Lane Change, Reckless Driving and Speeding. The passenger, Zacharian Sailem, 27 of Dublin was charged with Felony Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, Felony Tampering with Evidence, Felony Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime, Misdemeanor Giving a False Name, and Possession of Drug Related Objects. Both the driver and front seat passenger were later determined to have given false identities at the scene after their fingerprints were ran at the jail. Further investigation revealed that Zacharian Sailem was wanted out of Truelten County for Felony charges of Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault, Battery and Cruelty to Children. The other two occupants were determined to have no involvement in the chase and were released with the vehicle at the scene.
Sheriff Courson states that on April 22nd, 2024 a deputy with the Echols County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the area of HWY 94 W and Sardis Church Rd on a sports bike. The sports bike failed to stop for the deputy and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit lasted approximately 18 miles with speeds well over 100 mph ending in Hamilton County, FL. Sheriff Courson along with additional Echols County deputies joined the pursuit as well as deputies from The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Courson took over as lead vehicle in the pursuit. The suspect then attempted to turn onto I-75 Northbound at State Road 6 in Florida, the suspect ran onto the shoulder of the northbound ramp, Sheriff Courson utilized his patrol vehicle to prevent the suspect from re-entering back onto the ramp. Subsequently, the suspect wrecked his motorcycle in a drainage ditch. The suspect was identified as Richard Matthew Burke, 39 of Statenville. As a precautionary measure, Burke was taken to South Georgia Medical Center by EMS for medical evaluation. Burke was subsequently taken into custody and transported to the Lowndes County Jail where he was charged with Speeding, Improper Tag, No Insurance and Reckless Driving as well as two felonies; Possession of a Schedule III Substance, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude.
Sheriff Courson would like to thank Hamilton County Sheriff's Office for assisting in the apprehension.
Sheriff Courson states on April 18th, 2024 deputies with the Echols County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop in the area of Highway 94 and Donahue Road on a vehicle for a defective tail light. After making contact with the driver, Kevin Brown, 43 of Ray City and passenger, Jeremy Shaffer, 39 of Valdosta it was determined the passenger had a warrant for his arrest out of Lowndes County. A search of Shaffer’s person was conducted and a quantity of Methamphetamine was discovered in his pants in his crotch area. Subsequently, a search of Brown was conducted and 27 Xanax pills were discovered in his crotch area as well. Both subjects were transported to Lowndes County Jail and charged with Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Sheriff Courson reports that on January 8th, 2024 deputies with the Echols County Sheriff's Office responded to an armed robbery in the area of Highway 135 and Highway 94. During the course of the investigation, investigators with the Echols County Sheriff's Office in cooperation with investigators from Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, Suwannee County Sheriff's Office, Live Oak Police Department, Columbia County Sheriff's Office and Gainesville Police Department developed three suspects. These suspects were identified after reviewing convenience store surveillance video during several of these similar armed robberies in their respective jurisdictions. This resulted in the arrest of Jeremiah Gibson, 20 of Jennings and Calvin Souter, Jr. 23 of Lake City and an outstanding warrant for Demoundre Evans, 31 of Live Oak following a pursuit and wreck after an armed robbery in the city of Live Oak on February 3rd, 2024.
Forensic evidence is being analyzed from the Echols County armed robbery and charges could be forthcoming. Sheriff Courson encourages anyone with any information related to this incident to please contact Investigator Kathryn Lewis at the Echols County Sheriff's Office.
2023 Shop With A Cop went fantastic this evening. Thank you to all our community partners for making this event extra special tonight at Target. Merry Christmas! 🎅🏻🎄
Sheriff Courson states, on October 31st, 2023 he along with deputies with the Echols County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search warrant at the address of 335 Highway 129 North after serving an arrest warrant. During the search deputies recovered a quantity of Methamphetamine and Drug Related Objects. Byran Running Bear Harris, 46 of Statenville was arrested and charged with Felony Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Related Objects. Bobby Don Walker Jr, 27 of Statenville was arrested and charged with Felony Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Related Objects. Sonja Viola Pappas, 38 of Statenville was arrested and charged with Felony Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Related Objects. As always, Sheriff Courson encourages anyone with information of illegal activity in the county to contact the Sheriff’s Office and tipsters may remain anonymous.
Please note the deadline is quickly approaching for those who live on County Maintained roads. If the DOT has already picked up on your State Maintained rd time is up. They WILL NOT come back by!!!
