Habersham County deputy placed on administrative leave after suspect driver shot in the head
Investigators with the North Carolina Special Bureau of Investigation and State Patrol are investigating a police chase that started in Habersham and ended in gunfire across the state line.
UPDATE: Suspect shot after police chase released from hospital
Habersham County Sheriff’s Lt. Matthew Wurtz says the incident began at 8:12 p.m. Thursday when Clarkesville Police received a call that a car had been stolen from the Shell gas station at 442 Washington Street in Clarkesville.
About four hours later, Habersham County Sheriff’s Deputies located the stolen vehicle, a grey Infinity, traveling on Washington Street. They attempted to pull over the vehicle but Wurtz says the driver refused to stop. A chase ensued up Washington Street onto the Hollywood Highway to Old Historic 441.
The pursuit then moved onto US 441 and continued north into Rabun County. Rabun County Sheriff’s Deputies deployed spike strips near Walmart in Clayton. The suspect hit one of the strips and a tire on the car deflated but the driver continued to flee north.
“We are confirming that a Habersham County Sheriff’s deputy did draw his weapon, did fire shots and did strike the suspect.” ~ Macon County Sheriff Robbie Holland
The chase ended on US 441 just inside Macon County, North Carolina, when the suspect lost control of the car.
“Habersham County Deputies were attempting to make contact with the driver at which time shots were fired,” a press release from Wurtz states.
WLOS-TV reports Macon County Sheriff Robbie Holland confirmed the shots were fired by the Habersham County deputy.
“Once this vehicle wrecked, it’s my understanding that that vehicle then made an attempt to continue to flee and it was at that time that the shooting occurred,” Holland said. He did not comment on whether the suspect had a gun or attempted to use it.
The suspect, 24-year old Austin Thomason, was shot in the head. He was taken by ambulance to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, reportedly in stable condition. Charges are pending.
The passenger in the vehicle, identified as 21-year old Crystal Singleton, was taken into custody by the Macon County Sheriff’s Office. She was transported to the hospital as a precaution and is charged with possession of a stolen automobile.
The shooting is being investigated by the North Carolina Special Bureau of Investigation. The end of the pursuit is being investigated by the North Carolina Highway Patrol.
The deputy involved in the shooting is currently on administrative leave with pay pending the investigation.
Updated to include suspects’ names on 4/11/17
