THOMASVILLE- On Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at approximately 8:30 p.m., a pursuit involving Thomas County Sheriff’s Office Deputies ended in a tragic fatality, after a suspect’s vehicle collided and rolled off the roadway, resulting in his ejection from the vehicle.

Deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling South on HWY 319 North in excess of a 100 miles per hour after the vehicle was involved in a hit and run incident in Colquitt County. The driver, later identified as Shedrick Turner, 45, of the vehicle initially stopped, then sped off after deputies exited their vehicles. Turner then led deputies on a pursuit, that lasted for approximately 5 miles, with Turner’s vehicle, again reaching speeds in excess of 100 MPH.

Due to the escalating risk to public safety, deputies made a calculated decision to make intentional contact in order to safely end the pursuit. Upon the deputy initiating intentional contact with the Turner’s vehicle, it caused the Turner to lose control. Turner’s vehicle subsequently left the roadway, rolled, and crashed.

Turner, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle upon impact. Emergency medical services arrived at the scene shortly after the crash and transported Turner to Archbold Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

The pursuit, vehicle contact, and subsequent crash are under investigation by the Georgia State Patrol, to ensure all procedures were followed and to determine the exact circumstances leading to the fatality.

The Thomas County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. The Sheriff’s Office is committed to transparency, and a full investigation into the incident will be conducted to assess all actions taken by law enforcement during the pursuit.

“The safety of our community is our top priority, and our deputies are trained to make decisions that mitigate the risk to public safety,” said Captain Chuck McDonald. “While this is a tragic outcome, our deputies did what they were trained to do to safely stop a dangerous situation. We extend our sympathy to the family of the individual involved.”

The deputy involved in the incident is no longer employed with the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office, as that was his final shift.