Martin man arrested after leading deputy on high-speed chase

A Martin man has been arrested.

According to Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley on Thursday morning, September 10, a Sheriff’s Deputy witnessed a motorcycle turn onto Hwy 145 traveling around 80 mph.

The deputy then initiated a traffic stop on the motorcycle as it turned left onto N. Akins Bridge Road.

Shirley says the driver of the motorcycle then sped up and attempted to flee from the deputy.

The deputy pursued the motorcycle for approximately 18 miles. As the suspect, later identified as 38-year-old Westley Ray Woody,  attempted to negotiate the turn onto Sunshine Church Road, he lost control near the Dollar General and immediately fled on foot and resisted arrest.

The deputy then deployed their taser to gain control. After deploying their taser, the suspect complied with the deputy’s commands.

According to Shirley, deputies uncovered, from Woody’s person, a quantity of prepackaged methamphetamine from his pants pockets, a 3-inch folding knife, and a pair of brass knuckles.

Westley Ray Woody was arrested and charged with too fast for conditions, reckless driving, failure to maintain lane, driving on wrong side of road, felony fleeing and attempting to elude, felony obstruction, possession of meth, defective tires, driving on canceled registration, and no license on person.

Woody is in the Stephens County Jail.

During his first appearance hearing, the Magistrate denied Woody’s bond.