An exhaustive search for a fugitive from Athens has ended following a daylong manhunt east of Clarkesville.
Authorities took Rahim Abdullah into custody around 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6, in the area where law enforcement spent the day searching.
Abdullah fled on foot after wrecking while being pursued by state troopers Monday morning. Officials concentrated their search near the Tom Arrendale Interchange, where GA 365, GA 15/US 441, and SR 17 converge.
“He is under arrest currently in the same area,” says Georgia State Patrol Post 7 Commander Donnie Saddler. “He was located with the help of a unique drone.”
Authorities say the 50-year-old Abdullah has outstanding arrest warrants out of Clarke County from a false imprisonment and battery incident on Oct. 29.
The victim in that incident was found dead, according to information released by the Georgia State Patrol.
BOLO
On Nov. 2, Abdullah allegedly pointed a pistol at someone at Bethel Homes in Athens. Following that incident, police issued a lookout for a black Kia Optima he was believed to be driving. The vehicle ran from police when they tried to stop it on Nov. 3.
A lookout sent to law enforcement agencies warned officers to “use extreme caution” if they encountered Abdullah. The BOLO included a photo and description of the car. It’s the same vehicle a trooper from Georgia State Patrol Post 7 in Toccoa attempted to pull over on GA 365 for a traffic violation, officials say.
“During the pursuit, the vehicle traveled into oncoming traffic on the southbound side of GA 365. The driver attempted to exit onto the on-ramp of GA 365 and GA 17 before losing control and crashing,” says GSP Post 7 Assistant Commander Sgt. Luke Mize.
Mize did not say where on GA 365 the pursuit began, but he did say that warrants have been obtained in connection to it.
Exhaustive search
Law enforcement launched an exhaustive ground and aerial search for Abdullah after he fled his wrecked vehicle.
There was a heavy police presence near the interchange throughout the day. Multiple K9 units from the Georgia Department of Corrections and Habersham County sheriff’s deputies assisted state patrol ground and aviation units.
The search area on GA 365 extended from Jess Kinney Road to the interchange. Throughout the day, authorities cautioned the public not to approach Abdullah if they saw him and, if they did, to call 911 immediately.
“We are thankful for Post 7 Toccoa Troopers, Ga DNR Rangers, Habersham Sheriff Deputies, Rabun County Sheriff Deputies, GA DOC K-9 Support, and many more who assisted,” says Saddler.
