THOMASVILLE- Two individuals are under arrest after fleeing from the Grady County Sheriff’s Office and Thomas County Sheriff’s Office in a vehicle pursuit.

According to reports, at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Saturday morning a deputy with the Grady County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a vehicle for speeding on U.S. 319 South. The driver, later identified as  Demetrius Myrick, 22, failed to stop and reportedly turned off the headlights of his vehicle, continuing to travel at a high rate of speed toward Thomas County.

GCSO Deputies advised Thomas County dispatch they were in pursuit.

Sgt. Cooper of the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office then witnessed the vehicle traveling inbound on W. Jackson St. and joined in the pursuit.

Cooper observed Myrick to be traveling at an excess of 100 mph, while he and GCSO deputies attempted to catch up.

While pursuing Myrick, Cooper witnessed the vehicle leave the roadway and wreck into a chain link fence at 520 Fletcher St. (Harper Elementary School).

Cooper then saw Myrick immediately exit the driver’s seat and begin running south, away from the scene.

Cooper pursued Myrick on foot as GCSO deputies stayed with the vehicle.

Corporal Bryson with the assistance of Cooper was eventually able to detain Myrick on the property of Harper Elementary School.

When Cooper arrived back at the scene of the crash, GCSO deputies had detained the front seat passenger, identified as Willie Tillman III, after he tried to flee following Myrick’s exit.

A complete search of the vehicle found that Myrick and Tillman were in possession of two firearms. However, the search was unable to be completed before the vehicle became completely engulfed in flames from the accident.

Myrick and Tillman were both transported back to the Thomas County Jail for booking.

Myrick was charged with felony fleeing, misdemeanor obstruction, reckless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident, while Tillman was charged with misdemeanor obstruction. Myrick was placed on a hold for the Grady County, while Cooper handles the charges against Tillman.

Sheriff Martin “Earl” Prince extended his gratitude to the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office and the Thomasville Police Department for their assistance in helping apprehend the suspects.

He also reminded the public to not flee from a traffic stop, as it puts everyone in a dangerous situation.

“The risk is not worth the reward,” he concluded. “Fleeing from law enforcement carries serious criminal and civil consequences. We urge everyone to obey the law.”