According to a Gordon County Sheriff’s Office incident report, On Wednesday, February 8th, 2023, at 10:28 PM, Gordon County E911 advised Deputies that Murray County Sheriff’s Office was in pursuit of a vehicle inside Gordon County. Deputy Shipman entered the pursuit at the intersection of GA-136 and Freeman Road. Deputy Shipman followed behind Murray County Deputies onto Freeman Road. The pursuit continued on Freeman Road before the suspect turned right onto Fog Road, running the stop sign. The suspect, later identified as James William Hefner Jr., 55, of Rocky Face, continued down Fog Rd, where he failed to maintain his single lane of travel several times, driving in a reckless manner with no regard for other motorists on the roadway of speeds up to 60 mph in a 35 mph zone. Hefner then made a right turn onto Bryant Road, where it continued to fail to maintain its lane and drive recklessly. Hefner then went back inside Murray County, continuing on Spring Place Resaca Road to GA-225, where it turned right. With the suspect vehicle south on GA-225 heading back into Gordon County, Deputy Shipman took the lead in the pursuit. Hefner continued south on GA-225 at speeds up to 80 mph. Hefner continued to drive recklessly, driving westbound in the eastbound lanes at speeds of 80 mph. Deputy Shipman reported, “Due to Hefner’s manner of driving and for fear that innocent motorist could be injured, Deputy Shipman set up his patrol vehicle to perform a PIT Precision Immobilization Technique. Deputy Shipman utilized the PIT, and the suspect vehicle left the right side of the roadway near GA-136 and Defoor Road. Hefner was checked by EMS and then transported to the Gordon County Jail, charged with felony fleeing, driving while suspended, reckless driving, and a list of traffic charges.
Gordon County deputy utilizes PIT maneuver to end high-speed chase from Murray County
