News Summary
A Georgia State Trooper, Justin Jones, was injured after his vehicle overturned during a high-speed chase in Waycross, Georgia. The suspect fled during a traffic stop, prompting a pursuit. Trooper Jones attempted a PIT maneuver, resulting in his patrol vehicle ending upside down in a creek. He was rescued by Waycross Police and airlifted to a hospital, where he is in stable condition. The suspect was apprehended shortly after the incident. An investigation is underway by the Georgia State Patrol’s Collision Reconstruction Team to analyze the event.
Waycross, Georgia – A Georgia State Trooper was injured following a dramatic series of events during a high-speed chase that ended with his patrol vehicle overturning and landing in a creek. The incident took place on Wednesday night, May 7, 2025, around 7:44 p.m. Trooper Justin Jones had initiated a traffic stop to assist the Waycross Police, which led to a life-threatening pursuit.
During the evening, a suspect driving a black Chevrolet Tahoe fled from the scene of the traffic stop. Trooper Jones quickly became the lead unit in the ensuing chase, which covered several miles. As the pursuit intensified, Trooper Jones attempted to deploy a precision immobilization technique, commonly known as the PIT maneuver, to stop the fleeing vehicle. This maneuver took place on Swamp Road near Gilmore Drive.
After executing the PIT maneuver, the patrol vehicle veered off the road, leading to a catastrophic outcome. The trooper’s vehicle overturned and submerged in a creek, landing upside down. As the chase concluded, the suspect’s vehicle came to rest upright on top of the submerged patrol car. In a critical moment, Trooper Jones lost consciousness after being trapped underwater.
Two officers from the Waycross Police department responded quickly by retrieving Trooper Jones from the overturned vehicle. They conducted lifesaving measures immediately at the scene to stabilize him. Despite the overwhelming circumstances, their swift actions were integral in ensuring Trooper Jones received the assistance he needed.
Following his emergency rescue, Trooper Jones was airlifted to Memorial Hospital in Savannah, where he is currently listed in stable condition and actively recovering from his injuries. The severity of the situation underscores the risks law enforcement officers encounter while performing their duties.
Meanwhile, the suspect involved in the chase attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended shortly after the incident. However, details regarding the suspect’s identity and potential charges have not yet been disclosed to the public.
The Georgia State Patrol has initiated an investigation into the incident through its Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team. This team will analyze the events leading up to the crash, examine the tactics used during the pursuit, and assess the specific actions taken by Trooper Jones.
This incident marks another scenario highlighting the dangerous nature of police work and the unpredictable situations faced by law enforcement. The community is showing concern for Trooper Jones’s well-being, and local officials have expressed their support for both the trooper and the ongoing investigation into the events that unfolded.
Further updates regarding Trooper Jones’s health and the outcome of the investigation will be provided as more information becomes available. Local authorities urge residents who may have witnessed the incident or have relevant information to come forward to aid in the ongoing investigation.
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