Suspect in Toccoa Fraud arrested after multi-county chase

In September, warrants for the arrest of Wardell McClendon, 33, of Columbus, were issued on six felony counts of identity fraud, six felony counts of forgery in the first degree, and one count of obstruction of a law enforcement officer.  

The warrants came on the heels of a report from Mega Motorports on Big A Road that an individual was attempting to make a purpose using an allegedly stolen identity. During the investigation, although McClendon was not apprehended, law enforcement officials were able to recover a trailer used by McClendon, and discovered, in the trailer, a stockpile of Georgia licenses, fake passports, and a notebook containing identification data of multiple individuals. 

According to official reports from the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, and local media reports, McClendon was arrested on September 28 after attempting to elude officers.

According to reports, law enforcement officers attempted to pull McClendon over for a traffic stop near Porterdale, south of Covington. McClendon refused to stop the vehicle for several blocks, and when he did pull over, refused to roll down his window to speak with officers. He then allegedly put the Ford F250 truck he was driving in reverse and attempted to hit a patrol car before continuing to flee officers. 

McClendon crossed the county line into Jasper County and the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office joined the pursuit, and McClendon allegedly attempted to initiate a head-on collision with a Deputy’s vehicle before once again fleeing. Even after stop sticks were deployed by law enforcement officials, deflating three of the truck’s tires, McClendon continued to attempt to evade authorities. 

Using precision immobilization technique, or PIT, maneuvers, officers were able to detain McClendon in Monticello, and he was charged with numerous charges, including willful obstruction of law enforcement officers, felony fleeing, and, because there was a minor in the vehicle during McClendon’s attempt to flee officials, he has been charged with 1st degree cruelty to children. 

Subsequent investigation revealed that not only was McClendon wanted on warrants in Stephens County, but had warrants issued against him in Coweta, Henry, Houston, Franklin and Troup counties in Georgia, as well as Russell County, Alabama, on charges ranging from felony fraud to concealment of identity. 

WNEG News has also found official reports from April 2019 when McClendon was arrested in Indiana for resisting law enforcement with a vehicle and reckless driving following a multi-county chase. Reports state that McClendon, at the time of his arrest in Indiana, was wanted in Georgia on charges of aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer, reckless driving and credit card fraud.