Two Union County, South Carolina, jail escapees were arrested Tuesday after leading Georgia State Patrol (GSP) troopers on a high-speed chase through Northeast Georgia.
The incident happened July 29 after GSP Post 52 in Hartwell received a BOLO (be on the lookout) for a blue 2019 Ford F-150 reported stolen out of Spartanburg, South Carolina.
A trooper spotted the stolen pickup on Georgia Highway 77 in Hart County and attempted a traffic stop. The driver refused to stop, sparking a pursuit that continued onto Highway 17.
According to the GSP report, the trooper used a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver to end the chase in Franklin County. The trooper arrested the driver and passenger without further incident.
“During the investigation, the passenger made statements leading troopers to suspect that both subjects were escapees from Union County, South Carolina,” said SFC Richard Fleming with the Georgia State Patrol.
Union County Detention Center Director Walter McKeown confirmed for Now Habersham that the two men arrested – Devin Jake Fisher and Nicklaus Chase Bevis – are escapees. He did not respond to our request for information detailing the charges against them and when and how Fisher and Bevis escaped.
Union County Sheriff Jeff Bailey released a statement on Wednesday addressing the situation.
“We want to make clear that the Union County Detention Center is not operated by our office. We were informed of the escape by the Georgia State Patrol, who asked us to reach out to the facility directly. We had no prior knowledge of the incident until after the individuals had been located and taken into custody out of state. That said, we remain committed to public safety and will fully cooperate in any investigation that may take place,” the statement read.
No injuries were reported during the pursuit. Authorities transported both suspects to the Franklin County Jail as the investigation continues.
