Murray

THOMASVILLE — A man under surveillance for suspicion of selling crack cocaine crashed his vehicle and fled on foot from a narcotics agent, according to the narcotics agency chief.

The agent chased and caught the suspect described as a significant drug dealer, who has run from agents several times.

The Thomas County/Thomasville Narcotics/Vice Division agent had Jermaine Markese Murray, 30, 115 Fletcher St., under surveillance when the suspect sold narcotics on the south side of the city, said Louis Schofill, narcotics/vice commander.

The agent attempted a traffic stop on Murray at Old Monticello Road and Glen Arven Drive.

“Murray did not comply with the traffic stop,” Schofill said.

The Chevrolet S-10 pickup Murray was driving struck a concrete curb at Glen Arven and Woodcrest drives, and the vehicle became disabled.

Schofill said Murray fled on foot, with the agent, also on foot, chasing him. The pursuit ended when Murray was caught at Tanglewood and Shadywood drives

“The agent was able to run him down two blocks away,” Schofill said. 

A large amount of crack cocaine, marijuana and a digital scale were in plain view in the truck, the commander said.

The suspect is charged with felony fleeing/attempting to elude, possession of drug-related object, striking a fixed object, driving without license, obstruction of officers, cocaine possession with intent to distribute and marijuana possession.

At the time of the arrest, Murray had outstanding warrants for cruelty to child, battery (family violence) and probation violation on earlier cocaine and marijuana convictions.

“It was a good job by the agent,” Schofill said. “The community is safer with him (Murray) in jail.”

Murray was denied bond and remains in the Thomas County Jail. 

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820