SC Man Awaiting Extradition After Manhunt and Arrest in Franklin County

In Franklin County, a South Carolina man with a long criminal history is in custody after crashing and then abandoning a stolen vehicle.

It happened last week when Franklin County Sheriff Steve Thomas says 42-year old Jesse Logan Waters crashed the vehicle he was driving near the GA Highway 106/I-85 intersection.

Waters then ran from the vehicle on foot.

Deputies soon discovered Waters was wanted on automobile theft charges out of South Carolina along with parole violation charges.

Thomas said for the next 23 hours, authorities conducted a massive manhunt for Waters in the area where he crashed the car.

Deputies with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia State Patrol, the MCCD, and tracking dogs from the Department of Corrections Canine Unit joined in the manhunt for Waters.

At one point Friday morning, Waters was spotted in the Brown Road/I-85 area.

Thomas said their break came Friday afternoon when Waters was recognized inside the Exxon/Little Cesars restaurant near the Interstate in Carnesville.

“Waters was arrested off Highway 106 when he ran from the Exxon station on 106 across from Wilco. Officers were in pursuit. He ran across four lanes of traffic on I-85 and was apprehended on the southbound exit ramp on I-85,” said Thomas.

Thomas says Waters remains in custody in the Franklin County Detention Center facing a host of charges.

“He will be charged with numerous charges and awaits a bond in Franklin County, Georgia, Then he will have the opportunity to sign extradition to South Carolina where he was charged with felony theft of motor vehicle,” said Thomas.

Those charges in Georgia include, Obstruction, Theft by Bringing Stolen Property into Georgia, Attempting to Elude Police, Theft by Receiving Stolen Property, Acquiring a License Plate to Conceal Identity, Driving While License Withdrawn, Failure to Maintain Lane, Hit and Run, Failure to Obey Sign or Traffic Control Devices.

Thomas said Waters also has outstanding holds by the Oconee County, SC Sheriff’s office.

As of Monday, Waters had not yet had a bond hearing.