By Jennifer Parks
The Albany Herald
ALBANY, Ga. — A man was taken into custody following an armed robbery and a high-speed chase that involved law enforcement units from three counties, law enforcement officials said.
William Bryan Owens, 22, was taken into custody by authorities. Police officials said he was being charged with hijacking a motor vehicle, armed robbery, several counts of aggravated assault against a police officer, and other charges. Dougherty County Jail records show that the other charges include probation violation, attempt to elude and parole violation.
Lt. Chad Kirkpatrick with the Dougherty County Police Department said the agency responded to the report of an armed robbery on the 700 River Chase Lane at 3:15 p.m. Tuesday. The victim reported to police that a black Toyota Tundra and a wallet had been taken by a man armed with a handgun.
The vehicle and suspect was found in Lee County, at which time officers initiated a pursuit that went back into Albany. From there, it went onto Newton Road into Baker County before going back into Albany. Once back in Albany, the chase continued on Gillionville Road to North Slappey Boulevard.
Dashboard camera footage provided to The Albany Herald showing the pursuit included radio chatter indicating the suspect was driving at an excess of 100 mph. He crossed into wrong lanes and ignored traffic signals while there were other vehicles — including school buses — on the road. While turning onto Gillionville Road, he was seen crossing into the dirt at the intersection before continuing eastward, during which time law enforcement officials were trying to ram the truck.
At the intersection of Gillionville and Slappey, he crossed into the Harvey’s parking lot before getting back onto Slappey and going northward. He was rammed one final time, causing the truck to turn the opposite direction and stop. He was then surrounded by officers and removed from the vehicle.
The chase ended on the 2500 block of North Slappey Boulevard. By the time it was over, it took the Albany Police Department, DCPD, Albany-Dougherty Drug Unit, Georgia State Patrol, Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Baker County Sheriff’s Office to contain the situation and assist in the investigation.
The APD had earlier put a lookout on Owens in connection with a burglary at 516 Baldwin Drive. His last known address was listed as Superior Creek Lodge, near where Tuesday’s chase ended.
Kirkpatrick said it appeared Owens was pointing a gun at the officers as he was being pursued, but that no shots were exchanged. There were no injuries reported, but he did attempt to run several vehicles off the road. The stolen vehicle and the gun were both recovered, Kirkpatrick said.
Copyright 2015 The Albany Herald