FC deputy naps truck thief after chase

By Mark Berryman, WLHR

Franklin County dispatchers received a call on Monday morning in reference to a white Ford F-150 being stolen from Carter’s Kitchen, located at 12106 Augusta Road in Lavonia.

As dispatchers began to put out the alert, a Franklin County deputy spotted a vehicle matching the description, said Franklin County Sheriff Steve Thomas.

According to Thomas, 911 was called and as they were giving the information to the officers on the radio, a Franklin County deputy spotted a vehicle fitting the description driving north on Highway 17.

As the deputy approached the vehicle, the stolen vehicle entered the Zaxby’s parking area. The deputy attempted to make a stop; however, the driver refused to comply and reentered Georgia 17 traveling north.

Thomas said the deputy then gave chase and the driver of the stolen vehicle attempted to elude the deputy.

“The stolen vehicle attempted to turn left onto Fairview Road but began traveling north in a southbound lane. The deputy continued to follow the vehicle on Highway 17. The stolen vehicle crossed the median several times. The deputy was able to arrest the driver after the vehicle experienced mechanical failure,” Thomas said.

The driver, identified as 42-year-old Otis Griffith III, of Rock Hill, South Carolina, was taken into custody and faces several charges, according to Thomas.

“Theft by taking motor vehicle, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, driving on a suspended license, failure to maintain lane, failure to signal lane change, reckless driving, driving on the wrong side of a divided highway. Griffin was arrested and transported to the Franklin County Detention Center where he is being held without bond,” Thomas said.

Thomas commended the deputy on being observant and then thanked the agencies that assisted in the incident, including 9-1-1 dispatchers, Franklin County deputies, Lavonia police officers and Georgia State Patrol troopers.