Danny Joe Fowler, 53, was arrested Tuesday by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office following a chase and manhunt after a deputy attempted to pull him over for a traffic violation.
Fowler, the driver of a Chevrolet S-10 pickup, proceeded to drive away from the traffic stop before the deputy made contact with him.
“The deputy pursued the vehicle observing the driver operating the vehicle at a high rate of speed and driving recklessly as he approached the East Jackson County schools,” Sheriff Janis Mangum said. “The deputy then withdrew from the pursuit, so as to not endanger the students being released from schools while keeping a visual on the subject’s vehicle. The deputy then observed the vehicle passing vehicles in a no-passing zone and continuously driving on the wrong side of the roadway before failing to stop at the four-way intersection at Hoods Mill Road and Waterworks Road where the deputy lost sight of the truck.”
A short time later, Jackson County 911 Center notified the deputy that it received a report from a citizen that the vehicle was on the side of South Apple Valley Road near Hoods Mill Road. Upon arrival on South Apple Valley Road, the deputy observed that it was, in fact, the suspect’s vehicle and that it was unoccupied. A witness notified the deputy that an older white male was driving but the witness did not see him exit the vehicle. Another deputy responded and was assisting the first deputy when they heard a single gunshot in the area of the woods near the abandoned truck.
Deputies were then advised by the Jackson County 911 Center that the vehicle had been stolen approximately 20 minutes prior to their initial contact. The Banks County Sheriff’s Office had placed a lookout on the vehicle after it was reportedly taken at knifepoint, with the victim identifying Fowler as the culprit. Deputies were also advised that the suspect had stolen a rifle, and they realized that he had possibly taken it with him when he fled on foot.
Officials established a perimeter in the area and eventually found Fowler, who was taken into custody.
Officers from the Banks County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Department of Public Safety, Phillips Correctional Institute K-9 unit, Lee Arrendale Correctional Institute K-9 unit, Harrisburg Fire/Rescue, Jefferson Rescue, Jackson County EMS and the Jackson County Emergency Management Agency assisted during the search and arrest.
Fowler faces multiple charges in Jackson County, including felony obstruction (two counts), possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, reckless driving, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, possession of marijuana and several other traffic-related charges. Fowler faces additional charges in Banks County and will also be held for the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office for an outstanding warrant.
