On January 15th shortly before one o’clock in the morning, Bulloch County Sheriff's Deputy Isiah Rehl conducted a vehicle stop on a car with no taillights traveling down 301 S.
Upon approaching the vehicle Rehl observed that the driver appeared to have possession of a handgun. As Rehl attempted to contact the driver he sped off.
Deputy Rehl attempted to follow the vehicle as it made a U-turn then pulled onto a dirt driveway, at which time the driver and a passenger fled on foot. The owner of the vehicle, who was not driving at the time, stayed in the vehicle and was cooperative. As it appeared likely that one or both of the fleeing subjects were armed, a K-9 and drone were requested to respond to the scene.
The drone detected a subject lying on the ground using a F.L.I.R. camera (Forward Looking Infrared). His location was relayed to the K-9 team on the ground. K-9 “Nik” was able to locate the second subject as they were being directed to the area.
Both individuals were taken into custody and were identified as Antown Simpson and Veunte Gross. Simpson was armed with a handgun when he was arrested. Suspected narcotics and drug paraphernalia were also located.
Sheriff Brown stated this was an excellent example of coordination between the K-9 Team, U.A.V. Unit and all initial responding Deputies. He stated it was fortunate no one was injured, and once again demonstrates how dangerous any traffic
stop can be for law enforcement.
