The search has ended for two suspects who fled from deputies at a safety check point in Banks County Thursday morning. Banks County Sheriff’s Sgt. Carissa McFadden issued a release to the media at 5:49pm Thursday saying “All suspects have been arrested.” No other details were made available. McFadden says, “A full release will be distributed at a later time.”
Banks County Sheriff Carlton Speed tells Now Habersham the incident began around 9:17am when the suspects approached the check point in a stolen BMW, turned and fled. Officers pursued the vehicle down Carl Segars Road where it crashed at the intersection of Carl Segars and Highway 323.
Two of the four suspects in the vehicle ran away on foot into a wooded area. They’re identified as Roger Stockton and Kelly Waldrop. An active manhunt was launched. Georgia State Patrol Aviation, Lee Arrendale K9 and the Banks County Sheriff’s Office spent the entire day searching for them.
Both suspects are described as white males. Stockton was last seen wearing black shorts, no shirt and was described as being heavily tattooed. Waldrop was last seen wearing a red and camo ball cap, blue jeans, and a grey shirt.
According to Speed, a third suspect tried to run but was caught. Tommy Chester Tench was arrested and charged with obstruction. Sheena McGonigle of Jackson County was also arrested.
Sheriff Speed says, as far as authorities know, the two missing suspects are not armed.
BCSO Sgt. Carissa McFadden says, “We are asking that any resident in this area of 323, Hickory Flat Road or Carson Segars Road (who) sees anyone or anything suspicious to please contact us so that we may check that out.”
Authorities ask anyone who comes into contact with Stockton or Waldrop, or knows their whereabouts, to immediately call 9-1-1.
Now Habersham will continue to update this story as new information becomes available.
Updated Oct. 8 @4:45pm
