Twenty-nine-year-old Billy Sloan had a decision to make: either surrender to Chatham County Police for a string of offenses, including a car chase in a stolen vehicle, or be lunch to a couple of hungry alligators.
Although he didn't go gently, Sloan ultimately ended up in a set of handcuffs rather than a set of jaws that can snap at 2,980-pounds of pressure per square inch.
According to a CCPD press release, Chatham Police officers spotted a stolen vehicle around 10:30 a.m. Friday near Interstate 95 and Highway 204. As officers approached the vehicle at a gas station, the driver sped off. A Georgia State Patrol officer spotted the same vehicle soon thereafter, and gave chase. The driver, later identified as Sloan, bailed and took off on foot on Al Henderson Boulevard.
CCPD began receiving reports of a man unlawfully entering homes through unlocked doors in the Al Henderson Golf Course Community, surprising residents at home. The suspect's description match the man's who drove and ditched the stolen vehicle. Despite an earlier safety alert issued by CCPD, which notified the public of the manhunt underway, no forced entries were reported.
Credit: Courtesy of Chatham County Police Department
Credit: Courtesy of Chatham County Police Department
CCPD deployed Eagle One, the county's helicopter, and the Chatham County Sheriff's K-9 unit to aid in the search. Community residents also assisted by providing golf carts and life vests as the search and ultimate standoff unfolded in a pond where two alligators reside.
In an attempt to flee officers who were closing in, Sloan jumped into the pond and swam to its middle. One of the two alligators swam toward Sloan and began circling. Officers dispatched Eagle One to hover over the pond to deter the alligators and to get a life jacket to Sloan who, according to the press release, refused to take it at first.
Credit: Courtesy of Chatham County Police Department
Credit: Courtesy of Chatham County Police Department
For more than an hour, Sloan refused to come out of the water. Chatham County's Marine Patrol Unit arrived with its amphibious vehicle and deployed on the pond. Still, Sloan refused officer commands to surrender. Finally, CCPD officer Joseph Lohr and Marine Patrol officer Heath Wynn dove into the waters and brought Sloan into custody.
Sloan has been charged with theft by receiving stolen property, burglary, drug possession, obstruction by fleeing, and four counts of criminal trespass. He was transported by Chatham Emergency Services to an area hospital where he remained briefly before being booked into the Chatham County Detention Center, 1050 Carl Griffin Drive.
According the CCPD, "Neither the suspect, officers, or innocent bystanders were injured during the incident. The alligators were also unharmed."
Amy Paige Condon is a content coach for Savannah Morning News. You can reach her at ACondon@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Chatham County Police endure car chase, manhunt and alligators to capture suspect
MEET OUR PARTNER
Today’s story comes from our partner, Savannah Morning News. Savannah Morning News provides daily news coverage on Coastal Georgia. Visit them at savannahnow.com or on Twitter @SavannahNow.
If you have any feedback or questions about our partnerships, you can contact Senior Manager of Partnerships Nicole Williams via email at nicole.williams@ajc.com.
The Latest
Featured
